Trade activities at four customs stations along the Bangladesh-India border have been suspended, while operations at major land ports across the country remain largely unaffected. The suspension is reportedly due to protests on the Indian side, affecting import-export activities through these stations.

Among the closed customs stations are Chatlapur and Botuli in Moulvibazar, as well as Jakiganj and Sheola in Sylhet. Trade activities at Chatlapur have been halted since November 27, while Botuli's operations ceased on November 28. Similarly, activities at Jakiganj and Sheola were suspended earlier this week.

Currently, 16 out of Bangladesh's 22 land ports are operational, with 11 maintaining normal activity. Besides these ports, goods are also traded through nearly 50 customs stations across the border.

An analysis of data from nine major land ports over the past four months reveals an increase in exports, despite a decline in imports. During this period, Bangladesh imported 59.11 million tons of goods and exported 176.67 million tons. Comparatively, in the same period last year, imports stood at 77.43 million tons, while exports were 28.93 million tons.

The situation at the border indicates that protests by local organizations in Tripura’s Kailashahar have disrupted operations at the Chatlapur customs station. Similarly, import-export activities in Assam’s Sutarkandi and Karimganj have been blocked due to local protests.

Although imports have decreased at several ports, including Benapole, exports to India have seen a slight increase. Traders attribute the decline in imports to changes in banking policies and the ongoing dollar crisis. Meanwhile, exports to India continue to grow despite the currency challenges.

Passenger movement between the two countries has also been significantly reduced since India stopped issuing visas in early August. Most travelers are now relying on previously issued visas, and the numbers are expected to decline further unless new visas are issued.

Officials remain hopeful that the current impasse will be resolved soon, allowing trade and passenger movement between the two countries to return to normalcy.