A consignment of Thai goods destined for Bhutan, which had been stuck in Bangladesh for four days, has finally begun its journey following transit clearance from India. The goods, being transported via Chittagong Port to the Burimari border in Lalmonirhat, are part of a trial under the Bangladesh-India-Bhutan transshipment agreement.
Originally scheduled to travel through Indian roads to Bhutan, the container had remained at Burimari Land Port since Friday due to pending approval from Indian authorities. On Monday evening, around 5:30 pm, the container was sent from Burimari to India via Changrabandha Land Port after receiving official clearance, confirmed Delwar Hossain, assistant commissioner of Burimari Land Customs Station.
“The consignment of Thai goods imported for Bhutan was sent after receiving permission from India. From there, the goods will reach Bhutan via the Indian transit route,” Hossain said.
C&F leaders noted that Kolkata Customs granted the road transit permission in the afternoon, after which the decision was formally communicated to Bangladesh Customs. Following document verification, the container crossed the zero line and moved towards India with logistical support from Benko Limited.
Faruk Hossain, president of the Burimari C&F Agents Association, highlighted that delays were caused by government holidays in both India and Bhutan. He added that additional complications arose because the Burimari route was not explicitly mentioned in the commerce secretary-level agreement. “India granted approval after all the formalities were completed,” he said.
This successful transit marks a significant step in facilitating trade between Thailand and Bhutan via Bangladesh and India, setting a precedent for future consignments under the transshipment agreement.
