United News of Bangladesh

A major road development project meant to strengthen connectivity between Dhaka and Hili land port in Dinajpur is facing further delays, with the government proposing a sharp rise in costs and an extension of the implementation timeline by nearly three years beyond the original deadline. The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) has sought approval for the first revision of the project titled “Upgradation of Hili (Land Port)–Dugdugi–Ghoraghat National Highway (N-521) to proper standards, reconstruction of existing narrow and dilapidated culverts to three important roads and ocnstrction of rigid pavement anddrainage in market areas(1st Revised)”, increasing the estimated cost from Tk 463.71 crore to Tk 587.88 crore and extending the completion date to June 2027. Originally scheduled for completion by December 2024, the project has already been granted a no-cost extension until December 2025. The latest proposal marks a significant escalation in both time and expenditure for a project considered vital for trade and regional development in northern Bangladesh. A strategic corridor under strain The highway under upgrade connects Hili land port—Bangladesh’s second-largest after Benapole—with the regional highway Gobindaganj–Ghoraghat–Birampur–Phulbari–Dinajpur (R-585). Once upgraded to national highway standards, it is expected to ease the movement of goods between the port and the capital, cutting travel time and transport costs. Hili land port, located in Dinajpur’s Hili upazila along the Bangladesh–India border, serves as a key gateway for cross-border trade with West Bengal’s Balurghat. Essential commodities such as rice, wheat, maize, sugar, stone, fertilisers and industrial raw materials pass through the port daily, generating substantial revenue and employment. Few women in the race as Bangladesh goes to polls  Yet poor road condition, narrow pavements and inadequate drainage have long hampered smooth transportation along the corridor, particularly during monsoon seasons when waterlogging and damage to culverts disrupt traffic. Why the revision? According to official documents, the revised cost reflects increased expenses in land acquisition, compensation for affected infrastructure, rigid pavement construction and the reconstruction or widening of 57 reinforced cement concrete (RCC) culverts. The proposal also cites the need for additional time to complete these works as per updated design and safety standards. Bangladesh sees sharp rise in rape cases, with girls most at risk The project scope includes widening pavements, constructing rigid pavements in market areas, building one PC girder bridge, installing RCC U-drains, rehabilitating cross-drains, road marking and shifting utilities—tasks that officials say proved more complex and costly than initially estimated. A senior Planning Commission official said the revision was “unavoidable” given market price escalation and field-level constraints. He the upgraded highway would ensure uninterrupted connectivity between Dhaka and Hili once completed. Development promises, delayed gains The project spans eight upazilas of Dinajpur district in Rangpur division, an area heavily dependent on agriculture and cross-border trade. Improved connectivity is expected to stimulate local markets, reduce vehicle operating costs and support faster movement of goods to and from the land port. Manpower shortage cripples Tk153 crore modernised Saidpur Railway Workshop The project has been included in the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for fiscal year 2025–26, with an allocation of Tk 125 crore. A port too important to ignore Despite constraints such as limited space, heavy traffic pressure and seasonal congestion, Hili land port remains crucial for supply chains in northern Bangladesh. Over the years, the government has invested in customs facilities, warehouses and automation to improve efficiency at the port. Officials said if completed on schedule this time, the upgraded highway could unlock Hili’s full potential—boosting trade volumes, reducing congestion and strengthening economic ties with India.

Trade between Bangladesh and India through Hili land port of Dinajpur will remain suspended for eight days from March 29 on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. Prof Shahinur Islam, general secretary of Hili C ustoms C&F Agents Association, said that trade will remain closed from March 29 to April 5 for the Eid holidays. Trade activities will resume at the land port on April 6, he said. Darshana rail port to remain closed for 9 days Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Hili Immigration Check-post, Ariful Islam said that cross-border travel will continue through the immigration check-post of the land port during this time.

The discovery of the first case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in India has raised concerns over the lack of precautionary measures at the Hili land port to prevent the potential spread of the virus into Bangladesh. Passengers traveling daily between India and Bangladesh via the land port are doing so without undergoing health screenings, raising concerns about the risk of transmission. Besides, numerous goods-laden trucks pass through the port daily, with drivers and helpers frequently crossing borders, further increasing the chances of the virus spreading. Health experts are on heightened alert given the timing of the HPMV outbreak, which started in China around the same time of the year in 2019-20.. Symptoms of the virus include fever, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and sneezing, resembling those of the common flu. Children and elderly individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the virus. First identified in the Netherlands in 2001, HMPV cases were reported among children in Cambodia between 2007 and 2009. Recently, two children in India were diagnosed with the virus, adding to concerns about its spread. Shyamal Chandra, a traveler at the Hili check-post, expressed his apprehension: “I’ve heard from various sources that a new virus, similar to COVID-19, has emerged. Although I’m anxious, I must travel to India for medical treatment. If immigration activities are suspended, it will cause significant problems for me, so I have no choice but to proceed.” Md. Ariful Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Hili Immigration Checkpoint, said, “We have recently become aware of the HMPV virus. Passengers traveling through the Hili check-post are being advised to wear masks and maintain health awareness as a precautionary measure. Further steps will be taken upon receiving instructions from higher authorities.” Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Iltutmis Akand explained, “HMPV is similar to the common flu, with symptoms such as fever, cold, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and sneezing. While children and the elderly may face more severe complications, there is no need to panic at this stage. The matter has been reported to higher authorities, and necessary measures will be implemented in due time.” India urges states to boost surveillance of HMPV cases Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 14 million lives were lost, and more than 400 million people were infected during the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of this, the emergence of HMPV has sparked public fear, particularly in areas like Hili, which experience significant human movement and trade. Authorities and health experts have been urging vigilance and timely action to prevent the virus from becoming a larger threat. What to know about HMPV Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that typically causes mild to moderate flu-like symptoms. It is more common during winter and early spring and spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. HMPV Virus Outbreak: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention Symptoms often include cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and fever. However, severe cases may lead to wheezing, breathing difficulties, hoarseness, or pneumonia. In vulnerable groups, such as infants under one year, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, HMPV can cause significant respiratory complications.    

Export and import activities between Bangladesh and India through Dinajpur’s Hili land port remained suspended on the occasion of the Christmas Day on Wednesday. However, movement of travellers with valid documents including passports remains functional. Shahinur Islam, general secretary of the Hili Customs C&F Agents Association, said traders from the both countries decided to keep the import and export halted marking Christmas Day as today is a public holiday. Read: 131MT rice imported from India through Hili Land Port Besides, load and unload inside the land ports remained off, he said, adding that the business activities between the countries would resume from Thursday. Hili Immigration Checkpost’s Officer-in-Charge Ariful Islam said the movement of travellers remains as usual as there is no connection with suspension of the port’s business activities.  

Import and export activities between Bangladesh and India through the Hili land port in Dinajpur have been suspended for six days due to the upcoming Durga Puja. This decision was made by Indian exporters and customs C&F agents. The suspension will be effective from October 9 until October 14. However, passenger movement with valid passports and visas through the Hili immigration checkpoint will remain unaffected during this period. Bangladesh missing hilsa export target to India for Durga Puja since 2019 Sakhawat Hossain Shiplu, President of the Hili Land Port Import-Export Group, said that the import-export activities will resume on October 15. However, businesses will be allowed to clear goods imported from India during non-holiday periods. Shahinur Islam Mondol, General Secretary of the Hili Customs Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association, mentioned that Rajesh Agarwala, Vice-President of the Indian Hili Exporters and Customs Clearing Agents Association, informed them through a letter about the suspension from October 9 to 14. A source from the Hili Land Customs Station added that except for public holidays during the Puja, customs operations will continue as usual. Traders can clear their goods from the port's warehouse by paying the applicable government taxes. Meanwhile, Md. Badiuzzaman, officer-in-charge of the Hili Immigration Checkpost, confirmed that despite the halt in import-export activities, passengers with valid passports and visas will still be able to travel between Bangladesh and India through the checkpoint. All immigration activities are open from 9 am to 6:30 pm every day, he added.

Export and import activities between Bangladesh and India remained suspended since this morning due to Eid-e-Miladunnabi, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The trade activities between the two countries remained suspended since morning as there is a national holiday in the Bangladesh side, said Harun-or-Rashid, president of Hili Land Port Export-Import group. Onion import through Dinajpur’s Hili port falls after India imposes 40pc export duty The trade activities will resume on Saturday as Friday is a holiday. However, the immigration activities are going on as usual, said in-charge of Hili Immigration Check-post, Sheikh Ashraf. Indian onion reaches Hili port, price drops

Export-import activities between Bangladesh and India through the Hili land port in Dinajpur district is suspended since this morning due to Janmashtami, a major religious festival of the Hindu community. All activities at the land port also remained suspended while immigration services are on as usual, said Mostafizur Rahman, general secretary of Hili Land Port Export-Import group . Trade through Hili land port suspended due to election on the Indian side  Trade between Bangladesh and India through Hili land port will resume on Thursday, he said. Trade through Sonamasjid land port resumes after 6 days

The Revenue Department of the Indian Finance Ministry has imposed a 40 percent duty on onion exports to Bangladesh effective today (August 20, 2023), causing a hike in the price of the item mainly used as spice in local markets. An Indian gazette notification signed by Amreeta Titus, deputy secretary of the Revenue Department under the Finance Ministry, said the duty will remain effective till December 31 this year. India imposed the duty for the first time. Importers of Hili Land Port said earlier they paid no tax for importing onions from India. Due to the 40 percent duty, an extra Tk 10 per kg will have to be counted. Read: Indian onions start reaching Satkhira, leading to prices easing down On the other hand, each kg of onion is being sold at Tk 50 since this morning. Per kg of onion was being sold at Tk 39-47 just a day back. They said Sunday is a weekly holiday in India and import of onion won’t be possible until the newly imposed duty is not paid, urging the Bangladesh government to look for alternative markets to import the item from. Read: Indian onions start arriving through land ports as import resumes Indian exporters said onion prices are soaring in the country and the government has imposed the duty to discourage exports. They suspected that the prices may be hiked next month as substantial amounts of onions rotted due to excessive heat. Read more: Govt to allow onion import from Monday: Agriculture Ministry

Onions from India have started arriving in Bangladesh through land ports on the border as the government announced resumption of onion import after over two months of restriction. The agriculture ministry took the decision to allow importing onions on Sunday (June 4, 2023) considering the unusual price hike. Two trucks loaded with 40 metric tonnes of Indian onions entered through Hili land port in Dinajpur at 5:45 pm today (June 6, 2023). Read more: Govt to allow onion import from Monday: Agriculture Ministry Shahidul Islam, an importer, said, “There has been a shortage of imported onions in the country since mid-March. As a result, the price of local onions skyrocketed in both retail and wholesale markets after Eid-ul-Fitr.” “In this situation, importers have been demanding that the government allow them to import onions from India, to keep the price stable. Keeping the traders and consumers in mind, the Ministry of Agriculture has given permission to import onions from India on Sunday,” he said. Although the imported onions are yet to reach the market, prices have already started to go down as the news broke.    Read more: Proper preservation of onions to end instability, crisis: Agriculture Minister  Moinul Haque, a retail trader at Hili Bazar, said onions were being sold at Tk 80 per kg this evening – Tk 5 less compared to this morning. “We may see a fall in onion prices in the coming days,” he said. Meanwhile, 57 onion-carrying trucks from India have entered the country through Sonamasjid land port in Chapainawabganj. Prabhat Kumar Singh, assistant commissioner of customs at Sonamasjid land port, said the trucks carrying 1,097 metric tonnes of onions have entered Bangladesh. Read more: Govt aiming to become self-sufficient in onions: Agriculture Minister “Trucks are allowed to enter the port only after receiving IP approved documents,” he said. The government stopped importing onions from India from March 16 this year to ensure fair prices for onions produced by local farmers.

Importers are suspecting that onion price in the country may go up during Ramadan, as the government of Bangladesh has decided to not issue new permits for importing Indian onions after March 15 through the Hili land port -- to ensure local farmers get a fair price. “Large consignments of onions are being imported now through Hili land port to keep prices stable during Ramadan. But the government decided to not issue new onion import permits from India, which may make the onion market unstable,” Senior Vice President of Hili Land Port Import-Export Group Shahidul Islam said while speaking at a press conference on Monday (March 14, 2023) night.  Read More: Onion imports through Benapole resume after 2 months If onion imports stop after March 15, importers will suffer financially. Consumers also have to buy onions at higher prices during Ramadan, he added.  Mostafizur Rahman, general secretary of the organization, said that it is necessary to continue importing onions throughout the month of Ramadan and keep the prices stable.  Currently, imported onions are being sold at Tk 24 and domestic onions at Tk 26 per kg at retail level.  Read More: Magura onion farmers in tears as prices plummet