Benapole customs' 6pm closure decision stalls trade, puts traders in trouble

Import and export activities through Benapole land port have come to a standstill following a sudden decision by Benapole Customs to halt all operations after 6pm each day. 

The move — taken without prior notice or preparation — has prompted severe disruption in cross-border trade and triggered frustration among traders, importers, and exporters on both sides of the Bangladesh–India border.

Customs authorities said the measure was introduced to curb the infiltration of undocumented and smuggled goods. 

They also claimed the decision followed a meeting with leaders of the Clearing and Forwarding (C&F) Agents Association. 

However, the association has denied agreeing to such a move, saying that while discussions took place, no formal decision was reached.

Emdadul Haque Lata, general secretary of the Benapole C&F Agents Association, confirmed that customs had proposed an early closure in a recent meeting but said, "We told them we would first consult with all port users before finalising anything."

Benapole Land Port Director Shamim Hossain said, "We can't clear goods without customs approval. The decision has already affected revenue and trade flow."

In 2017, both countries agreed to keep the Benapole–Petrapole Integrated Check Post (ICP) open 24 hours a day. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) later instructed all customs houses to maintain round-the-clock operations, but the directive remains unimplemented in Benapole.

Truck queues stretch across Benapole–Petrapole as perishable goods rot 

According to port sources, the reduced operational hours have resulted in long queues of trucks — over 1,500 reportedly stuck at Benapole and Petrapole combined — carrying perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, fish, cosmetics, and chemical raw materials, many at risk of spoilage.

Previously, 400–450 trucks entered Benapole each day. Since the 6pm restriction was imposed, that number has dropped to 180–200, sources said.

Revenue collection, exports slump

Business leaders say the sudden time restriction has created a deadlock at the country's busiest land port, which handles daily trade worth Tk200–250 crore. 

The Importers and Exporters Association estimates that goods worth Tk100–150 crore remain uncleared daily, causing significant financial losses to traders and costing the government several crores in lost revenue.

Local business leaders argue that instead of blanket restrictions, customs should target those involved in illegal trade.

"If some traders bring in illicit goods, customs can act against them legally," said Benapole C&F trader Anarul Islam. "But punishing everyone is not the solution. Hundreds of trucks are stuck, and if this continues, we may have to shift to ports like Bhomra, Hili, or Sona Masjid."

Importers say decision taken without consultation

Kartik Chakraborty, general secretary of the Petrapole Clearing Agent Staff Welfare Association, said Indian traders are also suffering. 

"This unilateral decision has created a trust crisis in bilateral trade," he said, adding that over 1,000 Indian trucks remain stranded daily at Petrapole.

Matiur Rahman, president of the Benapole Port Import-Export Association, said, "Such decisions should not be made without consulting stakeholders. This unilateral move is hurting traders, workers, and government revenue alike."

Jessore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mizanur Rahman Khan echoed the same concern, calling for immediate review of the decision.

Customs Commissioner Khalid Md Abu Hossain and Additional Commissioner Mushfiqur Rahman could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts.

A customs official, speaking anonymously, said the decision was temporary and driven by "internal administrative coordination" issues, adding that a solution is expected soon.