Trade Halted Amidst Unrest: India-Bangladesh Border Scenario

Trade between India and Bangladesh through West Bengal's land ports has been suspended due to violence in Bangladesh. Goods trucks are at a standstill, though limited passenger movement continues. Petrapole, a major port, is heavily affected. Indian officials are working to address the situation, with thousands of stranded trucks awaiting clearance.

Trade between India and Bangladesh via West Bengal’s land ports remained suspended for the second consecutive day on Monday due to ongoing violence in the neighbouring country, officials reported, although there was limited movement of passengers.

Since Sunday, goods trucks have not moved as the Bangladeshi side of the Petrapole land port, exempting only emergency services, remains non-functional due to a government-declared holiday.

Situated in Bongaon, Petrapole is South Asia's largest land port, playing a critical role in facilitating trade between India and Bangladesh, normally managing hundreds of trucks daily.

While trade remains stalled, passenger movement continued in limited numbers. ''Goods transport has yet to resume. However, people, mainly students, continue to move across borders. More than 700 students have arrived at Petrapole from Bangladesh,'' stated Kamlesh Saini, manager of the Land Port Authority of India (Petrapole).

With violent clashes in Bangladesh resulting in over 100 fatalities, more than 4,500 Indian students have thus far returned home. Saini mentioned a help desk has been set up at Petrapole to assist arriving students with necessities such as snacks and water.

The BSF South Bengal Frontier has also established special help desks at Integrated Check Posts (ICP) along the border to ensure the safe return of students amidst the unrest. Trade through other land ports in West Bengal, including Gojadanga, Fulbari, and Mahadipur, remains suspended with Bangladeshi Customs offices closed.

Indian officials are engaged in discussions with their Bangladeshi counterparts to facilitate the return of stranded trucks and drivers. The last trade movement occurred on Saturday with 110 trucks entering India from Bangladesh and 48 trucks exporting goods to the neighbouring country. Currently, about 800 trucks loaded with merchandise are stuck in parking lots awaiting clearance to cross the border.