The ongoing situation in neighboring Bangladesh may disrupt the import-export trade between Tripura and Bangladesh, as traders in the state have decided to halt trade for the next three days.
Tripura shares an 856 km long international border with Bangladesh.
Foreign trade between Tripura and Bangladesh officially began in 1995-96 through the Agartala-Akhaura Land Custom Station. Tripura currently has eight Land Customs Stations: Agartala, Srimantpur, Muhurighat, Khowaighat, Dhalaighat, Manughat, Old Raghna Bazar, and Sabroom, along with two Integrated Check Posts.
Speaking with media on Tuesday, Debasish Nandi, Manager of the Land Port Authority of India stationed at the Agartala-Akhaura ICP, said that goods were being imported and exported between Tripura and Bangladesh until August 5.
“Until August 5, traders from both countries were importing and exporting goods between Tripura and Bangladesh. Trucks carrying fish entered Tripura from Bangladesh through the Agartala-Akhaura Land Custom Station, while trucks carrying cumin were exported from Tripura to Bangladesh via Srimantapur in the Sonamura Sub-division of Tripura’s Sepahijala District,” he said.
The official noted that trade was also conducted through other Land Customs Stations. However, due to the current situation, traders involved in import-export activities have decided to halt trade for the next three days.
“There are many restrictions and a curfew imposed in the neighboring country,” he said.
Deepjyoti Deb, a businessman engaged in fish trading, mentioned that due to the situation in Bangladesh, fish imports have stopped temporarily.
“We usually import fish through the Agartala-Akhaura Land Custom Station. But as we are aware of the issues prevailing in Bangladesh, we have decided to halt import-export activities for a few days. We will resume trade depending on the situation,” he said.