After 47 days, import-export trade with India started by rail

After being closed for 47 consecutive days, import-export trade with India has resumed by rail through Benapole land port. In view of the talks between the high-level officials of the two countries, the import-export trade was officially resumed on Wednesday (September 4).

Rail trade between the two countries was suspended from July 19 due to security reasons during the anti-discrimination student movement. At that time, visas to Bangladeshi passport holders were stopped.

However, after the fall of the Awami League government in a popular coup on August 5, the interim government took over. In this, the railway authority wrote to the railway authority of the Government of India on August 12 demanding the start of commercial and passenger services. But due to non-response on various excuses, apart from commercial losses in the country, the Indian institutions dependent on Bangladesh are also facing economic losses. At one point, the Indian government launched goods transport services by rail on Wednesday after 47 days.

Importer Monir Hossain said businessmen often have to go to India for business. Due to the suspension of visas, business people are facing difficulties in traveling to India. I demand to start visa soon.

Mohsin Milon, president of Benapole port's import-export association, said that in July, the import-export trade was closed through Benapole by rail due to security reasons. Businessmen face losses. As the import-export trade has started again through this port, relief has returned among the traders.

Benapole International Railway Station Master Saidur Rahman said that a letter was sent to the Indian Railway Authority on August 12 last month to start trade and passenger transport through Benapole. After that, the import and export of goods by rail has been started again from this month. He said that passenger traffic will be started on the railway very soon.

Rezaul Karim, Deputy Director of Benapole Port, said that trade with India has resumed from Wednesday and arrangements are being made for quick release of goods.