Import and export activities through Benapole Land Port in Jashore will remain suspended for seven consecutive days on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.
The closure will be effective from May 25 to May 31, while trading activities between Bangladesh and India through the Benapole-Petrapole route will resume on the morning of June 1.
Confirming the matter, General Secretary of Benapole C&F Agents Staff Association Badruzzaman Bani said import-export operations, along with customs and port activities, would remain shut during the Eid holidays. However, Benapole Customs House will remain open on a limited scale except on Eid day.
Port sources said the decision to suspend trade operations was taken following discussions between business communities of both Bangladesh and India, despite the government announcing a seven-day public holiday for Eid-ul-Azha.
Normal operations, including customs clearance and cargo handling, will resume from June 1.
Officials, however, said movement of passport holders through the Benapole check-post would remain normal during the holiday period.
Benapole Port Director (Traffic) Md Shamim Hossain said security measures had been strengthened to prevent any untoward incidents or sabotage during the Eid holidays. Members of the port’s own security force and Ansar personnel will patrol the port area round the clock, while local police authorities have also been alerted.
He added that if any importer wishes to clear goods during the holiday, necessary arrangements would be made.
Benapole Port Police Station officer-in-charge Ashraf Hossain said special surveillance measures had been taken to ensure security and avoid accidents or unwanted incidents during the Eid vacation.
Meanwhile, Police Inspector (Investigation) of Benapole Check-post Immigration Syed Mortaza Ali said passenger movement with valid passports would continue as usual despite the suspension of trade activities.
TZ
