Dhaka, May 11: Trade movement between India and Bangladesh is expected to be resumed today after customs officials withdrew their indefinite strike following assurance
from the government.
Customs officials at three land ports -- Benapole, Bhomra
and Dharsana -- began an indefinite strike today to protest
arrest of their colleagues by Bangladesh Rifles last week for
alleged smuggling of Indian goods.
Although the strike has been withdrawn, but official
warned that if their demands were not met, they would go on
strike again from May 20.
Minister for Finance Shah Mohammad Abul Hossain went to
Benapole, the main land port and assured the officials to look
into their demands.
Activities of three land ports almost remained
standstill since last Monday when four officials and 15
Indians were arrested for alleged malpractices.
The decision to go for indefinite strike was taken at a
meeting on Thursday after officials and employees of
Benapole, Jessore, Khulna and Mongla observed two-hour token
strike against "unwarranted" action by BDR.
The customs officials demanded that BDR withdraw all
cases against its officials and apologise for its action.
Meanwhile National Board of Revenue on Thursday issued
an official order to suspend the import-export trade through
Bhomra land port until further order.
NBR order warned that if the current impasse continues
Bhomra land port would be sealed off from June 7.
The authorities were compelled to take stern action to
halt smuggling through different border points having no
warehouse facilities for storing legally imported goods, an
NBR release said.
Bureau Report
