Hili port trade halted indefinitely from Sunday

Bangladesh-India export import operations through Hili land port has been suspended for an indefinite period starting from Sunday (August 30). 

Indian traders halted trade activities citing internal administrative complications in their country.

Banglahili C&F Agents Association General Secretary Md Shahinur Islam Shahin Mondal confirmed the matter on Saturday night.

He said Bikash Chandra Mondal, General Secretary of the Hili Exporters and Customs Clearing Agents Association in India, sent a official letter regarding the decision. The letter was addressed to the President and General Secretary of the Banglahili C&F Agents Association.

The letter stated executive members of Indian export and trade associations discussed the port’s present conditions in a joint meeting. Hili port has fallen behind in commercial competition compared to other land ports in West Bengal, the letter added. 

As a result, Indian traders have decided to suspend all import-export operations through the port starting August 30 to protect their business interests. 

Shahinur Islam said talks are underway with Indian traders to resolve the issue. Prolonged trade disruption will harm traders, transport workers, and port labourers on both sides of the border. Local C&F agents are trying to resume trade operations as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, movement of passengers with valid passports through the Hili immigration checkpoint will remain normal.

The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Hili Immigration Checkpoint confirmed that travelers moving for medical, business, or official reasons can cross the border without interruption. Passport holders can cross from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

Every day, large volumes of goods cross through Hili land port. Thousands of importers, exporters, clearing agents, truck drivers, and port workers rely on this trade hub for their livelihood.

Local traders and port officials are now waiting for productive talks between the two countries to clear the deadlock.


-GMRM/SA