Import-export trade between Bangladesh and India through Benapole land port in Jashore was suspended on Wednesday, marking the celebration of the birth centenery of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
However, loading and unloading of goods at the port was not suspended. Although commercial activities were closed, the movement of passport passengers between the two countries remained normal.
Benapole C&F Agents Association President Mofizur Rahman Sajan said, “Due to the public holiday announced on the occasion of Bangabandhu's birth anniversary, the import-export trade between the two countries through the port was closed on the day.”
Kartik Chakraborty, General Secretary of the Indian Petrapole Port C&F Agent Staff Welfare Association, said, “Due to the public holiday in Bangladesh, import-export trade through Benapole-Petrapole port remained closed.
Benapole Port Director (Traffic) Abdul Jalil said, March 17 is a public holiday as it is the birthday of Bangabandhu. Therefore, Imports-exports were closed in through the port on the occasion.
Security was beefed up at the port to prevent any untoward incident on the day.
Benapole Police Immigration Officer-in-Charge Ahsan Habib said, although import-export is closed on public holidays, passport passenger traveled between the countries normally.
Trucks carrying thousands of goods were seen stuck at the port, waiting to cross the border on the day. These products included various items including readymade garments, jute products, chemicals and food items.