Bangladeshi traders have suspended stone imports from India through Sonahat Land Port in Kurigram, citing concerns over stone quality, higher prices and reduced supplies from Indian suppliers. The suspension has been in effect since July 18 and has brought the port’s stone trade to a standstill.
Importers allege that Indian suppliers, reportedly operating through a syndicate in Golakganj, Assam, have reduced shipments while supplying smaller and lower-grade stones. Traders say the material is unsuitable for some construction requirements and could result in losses if imported at current prices.
Sonahat previously received around 100 Indian trucks carrying stones each day. With no stone trucks arriving since July 18, port workers, transport operators and other businesses dependent on the trade have been affected.
The disruption is also affecting government revenue. Sonahat Land Port normally generates more than Tk 4 crore in revenue each month, but officials said no revenue has been collected from stone imports since the suspension began.
Bangladeshi importers have said they will resume imports once suppliers provide stones meeting the required quality standards at reasonable prices. Until then, the standoff between traders on both sides of the border is expected to keep stone trade through Sonahat suspended.