Although the import-export process with India remains normal, the blockade has led to congestion of cargo trucks from India inside the port, further exacerbating the situation. Photo: Messenger
Due to the BNP-Jamaat blockade in Bangladesh, the Benapole land port, the largest in the country, is grappling with a severe shortage of trucks for domestic goods transportation.
Truck availability, when found, comes at an increased fare of Tk 4,000 to Tk 8,000 per truck, disrupting the regular supply chain and causing significant economic losses. The production of the country's industrial factories is being severely hampered.
A group of truck drivers has doubled transportation fares due to the opportunity for truck swaps, particularly impacting raw materials used in export-oriented industries. The extent of losses in industrial establishments is unknown, but losses in various sectors, including transport, exceed several crore rupees.
The burning of cargo trucks in different parts of the country has instilled fear among truck drivers and owners, affecting revenue collection at Benapole Custom House. Although the import-export process with India remains normal, the blockade has led to congestion of cargo trucks from India inside the port, further exacerbating the situation.
Truck drivers, waiting for days with imported goods from India, are unable to unload due to a shortage of Bangladeshi trucks, resulting in a chaotic situation. The shortage of trucks has also led to a reduction in product redemption at the port, impacting the usual clearance of around 450 truckloads of goods to just 200 trucks.
Truck fares from Benapole to Dhaka have surged from Tk 22,000-23,000 to Tk 27,000-28,000, and fares to Chittagong have increased by Tk 8,000, reaching Tk 32,000. This rise in transportation costs not only hampers the supply chain but also severely disrupts industrial production due to delays in receiving essential raw materials.
To maintain the country's economic momentum, businessmen are urging the avoidance of sabotage activities in the name of hartal blockade and the conduct of political activities.
Azim Uddin Gazi, Secretary of Benapole Truck Transport Owners Association, emphasizes that the import of goods from India is normal at Benapole port. However, due to vandalism in various parts of the country, trucks are not reaching the port as needed, reducing the product redemption rate. If this situation persists, the country faces substantial economic losses.
Atiquzzaman Soni, President of the Benapole Transport Agency Owners Association, notes that the blockade has significantly reduced the influx of trucks from outside districts, doubling truck fares. Many goods have been unloaded from the port and stored in nearby areas due to security concerns, resulting in a financial loss of over 100 crore rupees.
Jahangir Hossain, an importer, laments the financial losses incurred despite paying rent, with increased rents in Dhaka and Chittagong.
Abdul Latif, Secretary of the Benapole C&F Agent Association Customs, states that while customs and port work remain unaffected, the strike has disrupted the timely delivery of urgent import goods due to a truck shortage, further impacting industrial production. Business leaders are urging the avoidance of strikes and blockades for political programs to prevent such economic setbacks.
Messenger/Fameema
