Import resumes through Hili land port after 2-day suspension

Imports through Hili land port resumed on Wednesday after a two-day suspension due to halted online slot bookings by West Bengal government in India. 

Five onion-laden trucks entered Bangladesh at 11:30 AM, marking the restart of import-export activities at the port. However, as of this report, only onions have been imported while potatoes remain unavailable.  

The disruption began on Monday (November 25), when Indian traders ceased all exports after the halt in slot bookings.

President of the Hili Land Port Importers and Exporters Group Sakhawat Hossain Shiplu confirmed the developement, adding that trade operations resumed Wednesday morning following the resolution of the issue overnight.  

Despite the resumption of onion imports, the delay led to price hikes in Bangladesh. Onions and potatoes saw a price increase of Tk 5 and Tk 12 per kilogram, respectively, while local rice varieties like Zirashail and Shampa Katari rose by Tk 2 per kilogram. Zirashail rice is now sold at Tk 70 per kilogram, and Shampa Katari at Tk 68�70 per kilogram.  

According to customs data from the land port, the week saw imports of 2,200 metric tons of rice in 55 trucks, 4,700 metric tons of potatoes in 166 trucks and 1,300 metric tons of onions in 45 trucks. The port authority expressed optimism that all pending issues will soon be resolved, facilitating the smooth flow of goods between the two countries.