Trade at four customs stations along the Bangladesh-India border has been halted

Trade through four customs stations on the Bangladesh-India border remains suspended due to protests. However, trade at the country's main land ports is operating almost normally. Passenger movement between the two nations has significantly decreased, following India's suspension of visa issuance due to political changes after August 5.

The closed customs stations are Chatlapur and Batuli in Moulvibazar, and Zakiganj and Sheola in Sylhet. Import and export activities have been halted at Chatlapur since November 27, at Batuli since November 28, and at Zakiganj and Sheola since last Monday.

Imports from India have declined through the land ports since August 5, although exports from Bangladesh to India have seen a slight increase. This is evident from a comparison of the import and export figures at the country's nine land ports between August and November this year, and the same period last year.

Bangladesh has 22 declared land ports for trade with India, 16 of which are operational. Currently, 11 ports are active, while the remaining five have had their import and export activities suspended at different times. Some of these ports handle only imports, while others manage only exports.

Additionally, there are nearly 50 customs stations facilitating trade between the two countries. An analysis of data from the customs at nine land ports shows that 774.3 million tonnes of goods were imported through these ports in the last four months of the previous year. This year, the volume dropped to 591.1 million tonnes. Meanwhile, exports from Bangladesh to India rose to 1,766.7 million tonnes from 289.4 million tonnes during the same period last year.

Between August and November of this year, 892,117 people passed through immigration at the nine land ports, compared to 1,213,915 travelers during the same period last year. These ports include Akhaura, Banglabandha, Hili, Burimari, Darshana, Bilonia, Nakugaon, Benapole, and Bhomra.