No Indian freight trains have entered the Darshana Rail Port in Chuadanga district over the past 20 days as of Tuesday (August 13). This has left port workers, C&F employees, and truck drivers and their assistants from across the country unemployed and idle.
According to sources at Darshana Rail Port, the import of all goods through the Darshana rail route from India has been halted since July 24 due to the current situation in the country and concerns from Indian rail authorities about the safety of imported goods and other issues.
Atiar Rahman Habu, the General Secretary of the C&F Association and Mayor of Darshana Municipality, along with other concerned parties, expressed concern that if this situation continues, it could lead to a significant reduction in revenue for both countries.
The Bangladesh Railway authorities decided to resume freight and local train operations from Tuesday (August 13) under normal circumstances. However, Indian freight trains have yet to enter Darshana International Rail Port, according to station authorities.
Mirza Kamrul Islam, Manager of Darshana International Rail Station, stated that despite repeated requests through importers, Indian authorities have not sent any wagons. They have not provided any explanation for the delay.
A truck driver named Jamal commented, "We are sitting idle and unemployed. We have no idea when the situation will return to normal."
Sushant Chowdhury, Revenue Officer at Darshana Customs, reported that the revenue collection target for the 2023-24 fiscal year was set at BDT 178 crore, but only BDT 34.04 crore has been collected so far, which is significantly below the target.
Atiar Rahman Habu emphasized the urgent need for Indian freight wagons to enter Darshana Port for the benefit of revenue collection in both countries. He added that this would allow port workers, drivers, and others to return to work.