As many as 700 trucks carrying goods for the Indian market remain stranded on Bangladesh's side of the border at Benapole land port, due to lack of space apparently on the Indian side at Petrapole. When contacted, Joint General Secretary of Benapole Import-Export Association A. Latif said, “Everyday around 400 good-laden trucks enter Benapole to export products to the other side. But Petrapole authorities are only allowing upto 200 across, citing inadequate space.” “This has resulted in a long line of trucks in the Benapole port area  waiting to be allowed across to deliver the goods in India. The tailback is increasing with each passing day,” he added. Businessmen have pressed home their demand to the authorities in this regard to push their Indian counterparts to solve the problem as soon as possible stating that they are incurring great loss due to the status quo. Benapole Customs House Additional Commissioner Neyamul Islam confirmed to UNB that as of today, as many as 700 trucks remain stranded at what is the busiest land port between India and Bangladesh “We have contacted the Petrapole authorities. They assured us that the problem will be resolved within a week,” Neyamul added.

Indian businessmen suspended trading through Benaple-Petrapole port since Monday morning in protest against alleged harassment of Indian truckers by the country’s Border Security Force. Thousands of goods-laden truck remained stuck along India’s Petrapole area in a long traffic snarl. Deputy Director of Benapole port, Mamun Tarafdar said Indian traders complain of harassment of truck drivers by BSF members of Jayantipur camp.   Also read: BGMEA requests India to expedite trade through Bangaon-Benapole land port The traders have decided against exporting any goods through the port until the harassment ends, he said. Everyday around 400 to 500 trucks enter Benapole from India mostly carrying industrial raw materials, said the port official. Deputy Commissioner of Benapole Customs House Mostafizur Rahman said the trading will resume after problems on Indian side are solved.   Also read: 10 Bangladeshis who illegally entered India, return via Benapole

Around 5,000 trucks loaded with goods are waiting to cross into Bangladesh at India's Petrapole land port,  on the other side of the Benapole border. While they have been stranded, trade between the two countries has been greatly affected. It has already had a major impact on revenue collection (import duties).

Export and import activities between Bangladesh and India through the Benapole land port remained suspended since Tuesday morning as Border Security Force (BSF) did not allow C&F agents to enter India.