DHAKA: Indian transport owners and clearing and forwarding (C&F) agents have threatened to stop export-import through Bangladesh Benapole land port from January 26 if the port authorities fail to ensure security to Indian truck drivers and stop alleged extortion.
The threat came at a meeting held with several organisations from both Bangladesh and Indian sides at Petrapole customs house auditorium here the other day.
Chaired by Petrapole Customs Assistant Commissioner Siram Bisnoy, the meeting was attended by the representatives of All India Federation of Truck Owners’ Association, Kolkata Border Transport Owners’ Association, Bongaon Exporters’ Association and Petrapole C&F Agent Staff Welfare Association, representatives from Benapole Customs House, Benapole Land Port Authorities, Benapole C&F Agents Association and Benapole Transport Association.
At the meeting, the Indian truck owners said their drivers are facing a number of problems, including extortion and lack of security at Benapole.
Joint General Secretary of All India Federation of Truck Owners Association Dilip Das said they brought the matter to the notice of Bangladesh authorities several times, but no step has been taken yet.
Dilip warned if the authorities fail to come up with an effective solution to the problems by January 25, the Indian transport owners, customs staff and the C&F agents will go for an indefinite strike from January 26.
Benapole port authorities assured the Indian side of taking proper steps to meet the demand
