Indo-Bangladesh trade has come to a standstill this afternoon amid escalating unrest in Bangladesh, following large-scale protests that led to the resignation of President Sheikh Hasina on Monday, according to traders.
On Sunday, the Bangladesh government declared a three-day trade holiday, exempting essential services, through an official notification. This decision has severely impacted export and import activities at the land ports.
Ujjal Saha, secretary of the West Bengal Exporters Coordination Committee, noted that the lack of clearance from Bangladeshi customs has halted trade at all land ports.
"There had been some movement in the morning, but it stopped later in the day," he stated.
The disruption comes in the wake of violent protests against the Hasina government over the past two days.
Although several news reports indicate that Hasina has resigned and left the country, there has been no official confirmation regarding her departure from Dhaka.
"The Bangladesh government has called for a three-day total holiday, except for essential services, which means the Bangladeshi borders are closed for business," Saha added.
Sajedur Rahman, general secretary of the Benapole C&F Staff Association, confirmed that while some movement occurred earlier in the day, it ceased following the news of Hasina's resignation and departure.
Benapole, situated on the Bangladesh side of the Petrapole border in West Bengal, has seen a significant reduction in trade activity.
Petrapole, the largest land port that handles the majority of bilateral trade, has also been affected, with no truck movement reported during the latter part of the day.
However, officials at Petrapole stated that they have received no communication from the government regarding a trade halt.
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