Indo-Bangladesh Trade Halts Amid Political Unrest in Bangladesh

Indo-Bangladesh trade has been suspended due to escalating protests in Bangladesh, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Bangladesh government announced a three-day trade holiday, affecting activities at all land ports. Petrapole, a significant trade port, was also impacted, with no truck movements reported.

Trade between India and Bangladesh came to a standstill this afternoon as large-scale protests in Bangladesh led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday, traders reported.

On Sunday, the Bangladesh government declared a three-day trade holiday, excluding essential services, via a notification.

Ujjal Saha, secretary of the West Bengal Exporters Coordination Committee, stated that stalled activities at land ports were due to a lack of clearance from Bangladeshi customs. "There was some movement in the morning, but later it stopped," he revealed.

Trade disruptions were triggered by violent protests against the Sheikh Hasina government over the past two days. Although several reports suggested Hasina had left the country, official confirmation was absent.

According to Saha, "The Bangladesh government has called for a three-day total holiday, except for essential services, leading to the closure of Bangladeshi borders for business."

Sajedur Rahman, the general secretary of the Benapole C&F Staff Association, noted initial morning movements halted following news of the President's resignation and departure from the country. Benapole is on the Bangladesh side of the Petrapole border in West Bengal.

Sources indicated that Petrapole, the largest land port facilitating the major chunk of bilateral trade in the state, experienced no truck movement later in the day. However, Petrapole officials mentioned an absence of governmental communication about the trade halt.

(With inputs from agencies.)