Our Correspondent :
Import-export through the Benapole port was resumed after the strike was called off on Tuesday.
Trading through this port started after two days of strike called by the organization “Jeebon Jibika Bachao Committee” of the Petrapole Indian port.
The organization had called for the strike to implement a five-point demand which included stopping harassment by the border guard BSF in the name of security and removing complications in unloading goods, reports Bangla Tribune.
Hundreds of trucks carrying imports and exports were stranded at the two ports.
Sajedur Rahman, general secretary of the Benapole Clearing and Forwarding Staff Association, said they had been holding meetings on Sunday and Monday to keep the trade afloat.
However, no truck has been able to enter the port for the past two days as their demands had not been met.
Protesters have lifted their blockade on the Indian port of Petrapole after two points of their five-point demand were materialized.
As a result, import and export between the two countries resumed at Benapole-Petrapole port from Tuesday morning.
The two accepted demands are that hand porters will be able to work at Petrapole check post from February 20. Truck drivers will be able to cross the Benapole and Petrapole borders on foot.
Benapole Port Acting Director (Traffic) Abdul Jalil said import-export between the two countries has started since morning. All concerned have been instructed to ensure that traders can unload their goods swiftly.
Previously, the Jeebon Jibika Bachao Committee said more than 500 different trucks pass through the port for exporting goods from India every day. Likewise, Bangladesh exports goods via more than 150 trucks using this route.
The Indian Clearing and Forwarding staff members used to come and go to Benapole port to carry out commercial activities. But recently the BSF restricted their movement showing security reasons.
Besides, BSF procrastinates while performing searches in trucks without specific allegations.
Authorities concerned have been informed to be sincere in resolving these issues. Upon finding no solution to their problems, the organization had enforced a strike on Sunday to realize their demands, halting import and export activities in the Petrapole-Benapole port, they said.
The Petrapole Clearing and Forwarding Association of India, Import-Export Association, Truck Transport and other commercial organizations have declared their solidarity with this organization.
