DCCI protests Benapole port trade restrictions

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry opposes new customs restrictions at Benapole Land Port that stop trade operations after 6 p.m. Officials implemented the measure without warning to prevent smuggling, but the business group says the policy damages legitimate commerce at Bangladesh’s busiest land crossing with India.

The port processed more than 2 million tonnes of imports and 421,713 tonnes of exports in fiscal 2024-25, according to the Bangladesh Land Port Authority. Hundreds of trucks carrying perishable items remain stuck at the border under the shortened schedule, raising spoilage risks and supply chain delays.

The chamber acknowledges smuggling concerns but argues that closing the main trade gateway creates worse problems. Business leaders want authorities to remove the time limits immediately and to coordinate more effective enforcement measures to protect legal shipments.

The sudden change threatens revenue for traders and port operations alike. The organization warns that continued restrictions will extend delivery times and increase costs across international commerce routes.