Trade between Bangladesh and India through the Benapole land port remained suspended Saturday due to an indefinite strike called by several port organisations.
Benapole C&F Agents Association President Mofizur Rahman Sajan said the strike was called to protest various incidents of harassment by Benapole Customs, including suspension of two Benapole C&F agents' licenses.
Following the harassment, a joint meeting of Benapole C&F Agents Association, C&F Staff Association and Transport Owners Association was held on Thursday morning demanding suspension of the license of C&F agent and withdrawal of harassment case.
He said a group of dishonest Indian truck drivers had long been smuggling illegal goods into the Benapole-Petrapole port through smuggling syndicates but the Benapole customs authorities released them when they should have been detained.
Moreover, the blame fell on the importer and the concerned C&F. Following this, the customs authorities have already temporarily suspended 10 C&F licenses, which is entirely unfair, Sajan added.
Due to the strike, hundreds of cargo trucks, including perishable goods, have been stranded in the port areas of the two countries.
To keep pace with trade, port users will be consulted, said Azizur Rahman, Commissioner of Benapole Customs.
