India has sent back four Bangladeshi export trucks from the Petrapole border gate following the sudden withdrawal of a key transshipment facility previously granted to Bangladesh. The trucks, which had departed from Benapole carrying export goods, were returned to Dhaka by the exporter after being denied entry. The exporting company, DSV Air & Sea Ltd., had trucks bearing registration numbers Jashore-T 11-1802, Dhaka Metro-T 11-9221, Dhaka Metro-T 20-4460, and Dhaka Metro-T 20-1312—all of which were forced to return.

The transshipment agreement, originally signed on June 29, 2020, allowed Bangladesh to transport goods to third countries using Indian territory. However, India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) officially revoked this arrangement on Tuesday, April 8.

Kartik Chakraborty, General Secretary of the Petrapole Clearing and Forwarding Agents’ Staff Welfare Association, stated that the Indian Ministry of Finance issued a letter to customs authorities to halt transit services via land ports. Based on that directive, goods under transshipment were no longer allowed entry from Benapole to Petrapole.

Ujjal Biswas, Vice President of the Benapole Import-Export Association, commented that India’s abrupt decision could strain trade and diplomatic ties between the two nations. He expressed hope that India would reconsider and maintain friendly relations.

Sajedur Rahman, General Secretary of the C&F Agents’ Staff Association, added that the return of four export-loaded trucks due to the cancellation of transit privileges poses a serious threat to Bangladesh’s export trade.