Complete shutdown halts trade at Akhaura, Bhomra land ports

Trade activities at the Akhaura Land Port in Brahmanbaria and Bhomra Land Port in Satkhira have come to a standstill due to a complete shutdown initiated by the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

Since today morning (29 June), no goods have been exported to India through the ports, and import activities have also been suspended. However, passenger movement remains unaffected by the shutdown.

According to sources at Akhaura port, the shutdown, which began yesterday (28 June), has prevented traders from processing bills of export and bills of entry, halting all cross-border goods transactions. Though some export activities continued yesterday due to previously processed documents, no trade has been possible since.

Yesterday, exports worth approximately Tk3 crore took place due to earlier submissions. Between 21 June and 26 June, around Tk8 crore worth of goods were exported to India through the port. However, no imports from India took place during that time.

Mohammad Jahangir Alam, revenue officer of Akhaura Land Port, confirmed that passenger movement is not part of the work stoppage. He noted, "As imports through this port are already irregular, the shutdown hasn't significantly impacted import trade." Additionally, since today (Sunday) is a weekly holiday in India, minimal export activity is typical on this day. Consequently, no export trucks arrived at the port today.

Business leaders are urging swift resolution, warning that prolonged disruptions could hurt bilateral trade and affect supply chains on both sides of the border.

At Bhomra Land Port importers and exporters have reported that no work is being carried out due to customs station officials observing a shutdown programme. Almost all activities at the port have come to a halt. Over 300 cargo trucks are stranded at the Bhomra land port and across the border in Ghojadanga, India, waiting for import and export procedures. Port workers are also left without work.

Russel Ahmed, assistant revenue officer at the Bhomra Customs Station, stated that a complete shutdown programme is being observed as part of a central initiative. As a result, all types of import-export activities at the port are currently suspended. This programme will continue until further instructions are received from the NBR Reform Unity Council.

Business leaders and officials protesting under the banner of the NBR Reform Unity Parishad are scheduled to hold separate meetings with Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed today (29 June) in an effort to resolve the ongoing stalemate at the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

The meetings come as customs operations at major points, including Chattogram Custom House, remain halted for a second consecutive day due to the ongoing complete shutdown programme enforced by NBR officials demanding the removal of the NBR chairman.

Customs clearance for import and export consignments remains suspended at Chattogram Custom House. Only services for foreign passengers are continuing, according to officials.