The Business Standard 8 June 2020
Bangladesh-India trade through Benapole-Petrapole land ports resumed on Sunday after a standstill of more than two and a half months due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.
On Sunday afternoon, Bangladeshi company HMCL Niloy imported 24 trucks of motorcycles parts exported by Indian Hero Honda Company, Additional Commissioner of Benapole Customs Dr Niyamul Islam told The Business Standard.
The import and export of other products will resume on Monday, reports our Jashore Correspondent.
Despite the approval of the central government of India, the India-Bangladesh trade was closed for 76 days for lack of permission from the West Bengal government.
The export-import through the land ports remained halted even after getting approval from West Bengal for various reasons.
According to Benapole Customs sources, due to the outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic, imports and exports between the two countries through the Benapole-Petrapole port have been completely stopped since March 23.
During the trade, drivers of goods carrying vehicles will go through physical check-up before crossing the frontier. Besides, the trucks will be sanitised within the territory of each country. The drivers will also undergo a physical examination on their return.
Mofizur Rahman Sajan, president of the Benapole C&F Agents Association, said that after two and a half months, Indian C&F agents started import-export activities on Sunday afternoon.
Other goods will also arrive on this route from Monday. This has brought relief and excitement among traders and port users.
