Burimari land port to remain closed for 4-day over West Bengal polls

Import and export activities of Burimari land port at Patgram upazila in Lalmonirhat district will remain suspended for four consecutive days due to West Bengal state assembly elections in India.

According to officials, the shutdown will begin on Tuesday and continue through Wednesday and Thursday, following directives issued by the Election Commission of Indind the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal. 

The restrictions were imposed under Section 163 of India’s Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Samhati (BNSS) 2023 and came into immediate effect.

As a result, operations at the adjoining Changrabandha land port in India will also remain closed, directly affecting trade activities through Burimari on the Bangladesh side. 

In addition, Friday is a public holiday in Bangladesh, extending the suspension of activities to a total of four days. Normal operations are expected to resume on Saturday (April 25).

Officials from Burimari C&F Agents Association confirmed the development, saying they were informed through a letter issued by the district magistrate of Cooch Behar in India. 

The notice instructed strict enforcement of movement restrictions and sealing procedures by law enforcement agencies during the election period.

The letter was also shared with relevant authorities, including customs officials, border agencies, border security forces of both countries, immigration offices, traders’ associations, transport workers and local banks operating in the area.

Burimari immigration authorities stated that during the closure period, only Indian nationals and visa holders requiring emergency medical travel will be allowed to cross the border. All other passenger movement will remain suspended.

Burimari C&F Agents Association President Faruk Hossain said the shutdown was unavoidable due to the election-related restrictions imposed by India, which also halted operations at Changrabandha. 

He added that trade activities would resume on April 25 as usual.

Border officials, including Burimari Immigration Officer sub-inspector Saifur Rahman, confirmed the validity of the directive, while Customs Deputy Commissioner Mohi Uddin also acknowledged receiving official notification regarding the suspension of port activities.

MS/SH