India’s recent ban on imports of certain Bangladeshi products through customs stations and land ports has had limited effect on operations at Banglabandha land port, according to port exporters and workers.
Port stakeholders confirmed that while some plastic product shipments have been halted—with several trucks carrying these goods already turned back—exports of jute fabrics continue uninterrupted as they remain exempt from the restrictions.
Abdullah Al Mamun, a local exporter, noted, “This port handles minimal trade volume with India, so the impact won’t be significant.” The port primarily deals with these two commodities for Indian markets while maintaining normal import-export operations with Nepal and Bhutan.
Abul Kalam Azad, manager of Banglabandha Land Port Limited, clarified: “Raw material exports continue normally—we shipped polyester cotton rakes and jute just yesterday (Sunday). The ban only affects finished goods, which we don’t handle here.”
The port’s specialised trade focus has thus largely insulated it from the broader trade disruption caused by India’s new measures.