Travel, trade via Benapole land port suspended for 3-day

Travel and trade through Benapole Land Port have been temporarily suspended in view of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

According to port authorities, passport-holding passengers will not be allowed to travel between Bangladesh and India through Benapole on February 12, the day of voting. 

In addition, import and export activities with India through the port will remain closed for three consecutive days.

Benapole Port Director Shamim Hossain confirmed the matter on Tuesday night, saying the decision was taken following government instructions to ensure security during the election period.

Earlier, a letter signed by Deputy Secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs Kazi Arifur Rahman was sent on Tuesday to port and immigration authorities, instructing them to suspend travel through all land ports in the country, including Benapole.

Assistant Director (Traffic) of Benapole Port, Kazi Ratan, said his office received an official directive stating that passenger movement between the two countries via Benapole would remain suspended on Thursday due to the parliamentary election. 

He added that import and export operations would remain closed on Wednesday and Thursday as well.

YR/SH