Protests threaten exports to Bangladesh from Petrapole border

Shipments to Bangladesh from Petrapole border were halted for several hours on Wednesday following protests by exporters in neighbouring country, which demanded that India allow import of ir goods. However, some trucks entered Bangladesh through Benapole border in evening following a meeting with stakeholders from both sides, an official said.

"Bangladesh had stopped imports this morning on grounds that exports from that country were t accepted in India. But, stalemate seems to have ended after meeting, as 50 trucks from Indian side crossed border," Federation of Indian Export Organisations Chairman (East) Sushil Patwari told PTI.

Bangladeshi exporters claimed that trucks from India made ir way through border in evening as majority of protesters had left by n.

"We will t allow any truck to cross Benapole border from Petrapole from Thursday. This will continue until India resumes import of our goods," Benapole C&F nts Staff Association Secretary Sajidur Rehman said.

"Bangladesh has been importing Indian goods since June 7," he added.

Meanwhile, West Bengal-based exporters have sought Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's intervention into matter.

"Indian manufacturers, including MSMEs, are running short of essential supplies and raw materials as imports are t allowed. Since Bangladesh has allowed entry of Indian goods, it is required to import ir cargo to keep trade balance moving.

"Currently, more than 500 trucks from Bangladesh are waiting at Benapole border to enter India," Patwari said in a letter to Banerjee.