5,000 goods-laden trucks stranded at Petrapole port for lockdown

At least 5,000 trucks waiting to enter Bangladesh through Benapole land port remain stranded at Petrapole land port in India for around a month because of the lockdown.

The trucks contain raw materials for industries and food worth Tk100 crore. Consequently, the importers are experiencing financial losses.

Whenever contacted, the Indian counterpart of the Benapole port authority only assured to solve the problem.  

To curb the outbreak of Covid-19, the Petrapole port authorities suspended all exports and imports through Benapole port on March 26, causing the trucks to be stranded there.

If the goods are not released on time, there are possibilities that their quality will fall.

Mehedi Hasan, a representative of importers in Benapole, said, "After consulting with the Indian government, it would be better if we can allow the trucks of raw materials to enter the country for a couple of days."

"The quality of the raw materials is falling as those are stuck in containers. It is highly important to release those," he added.

"Our traders will face minor losses if arrangements are made to allow the vehicles to enter Bangladesh," said Mofizur Rahman Sazan, president of Benapole C&F Agents Association.

The stranded trucks contain goods worth Tk100 crore, Sazan added.

"Most of the importers have imported the goods by taking bank loans. So, those goods are getting damaged," said Aminul Haque, vice-president of Benapole Export-Import Association.

Benapole port high officials said talks had been held with Indian officials about releasing the goods, but the latter did not take any step to release the products instead of just giving assurance.

"We had talks with Indian officials. We are expecting that the problem will be solved in a short time. We have to win the fear of coronavirus and continue working," said Matiar Rahman, chairman of India-Bangladesh land port export-import sub-committee.

"The traders will have to bear financial losses if the trucks at Petrapole land port are not allowed to enter Bangladesh. The trucks contain raw materials and food," said Mizanur Rahman Khan, former president of Jashore Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"If the goods are not released now, it would hamper production and consequently, it would be tough to pay workers. And that may create another disaster," he added.

Indian goods worth Tk60,000 crore are imported through Benapole port annually, and the government earns a revenue of Tk5,000 crore.