Import and export activities between India and Bangladesh via the country’s largest land port, Benapole, will be suspended on Tuesday (21 Tuesday), due to India’s public holiday for the Hindu festival of Diwali (Kali Puja).
However, customs operations at the port and passenger crossings will continue as usual. Trade activities are expected to resume on Wednesday morning, Sajedur Rahman, general secretary of the Benapole C&F Agents Staff Association, confirmed the matter today (19 October).
Sajedur explained that traders at Petrapole, the Indian counterpart of Benapole, will halt all import-export operations for the holiday. Indian authorities officially informed Bangladesh through a notice. “The closure will begin Monday afternoon at Petrapole,” he added.
“Passenger movement, however, will remain unaffected, and customs operations at Benapole will continue,” he said.
Immigration and port arrangements
Inspector Tajul Islam of the Benapole Checkpost Immigration Police said despite the halt in goods transport due to Diwali, passport-holding passengers can travel normally between India and Bangladesh. “Passengers arriving from India or travelling to India will be able to move according to standard procedures.”
Benapole Land Port Director Shamim Hossain said while no cargo import or export will take place on Tuesday, all port and customs functions will remain operational.
Empty trucks returning from India will be processed through the cargo checkpost branch, ensuring smooth operations. Passenger crossings between the two countries will continue without disruption.