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Cross-border import and export activities through the Hili land port in Dinajpur came to an indefinite standstill from Sunday, August 30, following a unilateral decision by Indian traders. Business operators from the Indian side cited growing commercial disadvantages and trade competition relative to other land ports in West Bengal as the main reason for halting operations.
The decision was formally communicated to the Bangla Hili C&F Agents Association in Bangladesh on Saturday evening through an official letter signed by Bikash Chandra Mondal, General Secretary of the Hili Exporters and Customs Clearing Agents Association of India. Confirming receipt of the communication, Hili Port Customs Officer Parvez Ahmed and Hili Land Port Importer-Exporter Group General Secretary Md. Nazmul Hossain stated that Indian exporters expressed deep concern over falling behind competing regional trade hubs.
Bikash Chandra Mondal explained that following a joint executive meeting, Indian port users decided to halt all outbound and inbound goods shipments through the border indefinitely until their operational and commercial grievances are addressed. He emphasized that Indian traders face persistent operational disadvantages at Hili despite other West Bengal land ports having superior infrastructure and clearance facilities.
Despite the total disruption of commercial haulage and cargo movements, cross-border movement for travelers remains unaffected. Immigration Checkpost Officer-in-Charge Md. Zakaria confirmed that passport-holding passengers with valid visas can continue traveling between Bangladesh and India as per standard daily operations.
https://thedailyexpress.news/news/business/1f1a443b-8c81-6340-9a62-b3c97568625c