Bangladesh has faced an abrupt and severe disruption since May 17, following a directive from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) that halted commerce through several key landports, most notably the Akhaura Integrated Check Post (ICP) near Agartala.
This unexpected impediment has led to immediate economic fallout, with hundreds of trucks laden with goods for Tripura being forced to return from the border. The situation highlights the fragility of regional supply chains and the crucial importance of seamless trade facilitation for fostering sustainable and equitable economic development in border communities. Officials at Akhaura ICP have confirmed a drastic reduction in cargo traffic, with only essential commodities like fish and limited quantities of cement currently permitted entry. This restrictive environment has entirely ceased the previously regular imports of various goods, including plastic items, PVC products, processed food, and fruit-based beverages, impacting both supply and demand across the Northeast. The ripple effect extends to Bangladeshi exporters, who are now voicing significant alarm over potential long-term economic repercussions. One Bangladeshi trader lamented the daily loss of nearly 30 lakh Bangladeshi Taka in exports through Akhaura, encompassing popular items such as juices, plastic products, and furniture.
The Akhaura landport serves as a pivotal commercial gateway for Bangladeshi exporters seeking access to Indian states including Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and parts of Assam. Its growing commercial relevance is underscored by the figures from the last financial year, where Bangladesh’s exports through Akhaura reached Rs 453 crore, a notable increase from Rs 427 crore the previous year. This established trade corridor is critical for the economic upliftment and regional integration of India’s Northeast, a region that relies heavily on accessible trade routes for its development trajectory and the economic prosperity of its diverse populations. The disruption has hit major industrial players hard. RFL Plastic, one of Bangladesh’s largest plastic manufacturers, has publicly stated the severe impact. A company official remarked that the Northeast market is now effectively cut off, and the forced shift to alternative routes like seaports would drastically escalate logistics costs, rendering the trade unviable. This re-routing not only adds financial burden but can also indirectly increase the carbon footprint of supply chains, challenging the broader agenda of eco-friendly and sustainable commerce for both nations.
On the Indian side, the Tripura state government has moved swiftly to assess the ramifications. Dr Sailesh Yadav, Director of Industries and Commerce, convened a high-level meeting at the Akhaura ICP, where officials were instructed to strictly enforce the new trade norms issued by the DGFT. Debasish Nandi, Manager of Akhaura Land Port, confirmed the strict adherence to processing only exempted goods. However, even the trade in essential commodities has not been immune to the disruption. Reportedly, no trucks carrying fish crossed the border on Wednesday, as Bangladeshi exporters encountered difficulties in securing the necessary permits. This breakdown impacts a significant daily trade volume, estimated at $90,000 to $95,000 worth of fish and dry fish typically exported to India via Akhaura. With mounting trade losses and growing frustration palpable on both sides of the border, traders and industry stakeholders are now urgently appealing for diplomatic intervention. Their plea is for a swift resolution to find a mutually agreeable middle ground that can sustain this vital economic corridor between Bangladesh and India’s Northeast. The sustained functioning of such cross-border trade routes is not merely a matter of commerce; it is integral to ensuring the stability of livelihoods, fostering regional economic integration, and contributing to the overall vision of resilient, prosperous, and equitable border communities. A prompt diplomatic solution is essential to mitigate further economic strain and reinforce the pathway to shared sustainable growth.
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