Border shut for Bangladesh polls, trade hit at Indo-Bangla corridors

Cross-border trade between India and Bangladesh was disrupted between Wednesday and Thursday as both countries decided to suspend movement across the international border in view of Bangladesh’s national elections being held on Thursday.

According to sources in the Union home ministry, the temporary closure was aimed at preventing any untoward incident and ensuring smooth conduct of the polls in the neighbouring country. As a result, import-export activities through various land ports, including Fulbari and Petrapole were affected. On an average, over a hundred trucks carrying goods cross the border daily. However, not a single truck was allowed to pass during the two-day suspension, dealing a blow to bilateral trade.

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Shops and business establishments in the border areas also remained closed, leading to a subdued atmosphere. Trade between the two countries had earlier been hit following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which led to a spell of unrest in Bangladesh. Commercial activities were temporarily halted before resuming after the intervention of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. However, a section of traders alleged that trade volumes have not yet returned to previous levels. “With a stable government in place in Bangladesh, we hope that trade will regain its normal rhythm,” said Subhankar Naskar, an exporter at the Fulbari border.

Sources said security along the border has been tightened since Wednesday, with additional BSF personnel deployed and surveillance intensified to prevent infiltration or any cross-border disturbance during the election period. Traders now await the formation of a stable government in Dhaka, hoping it will restore confidence and boost bilateral commerce.