Tripura Directs Traders To Enforce Port Curbs On Bangladeshi Imports

Agartala, May 21 (KNN) The Tripura government has instructed traders operating through integrated check posts in the state to comply with port restrictions recently imposed by the Centre on imports of certain goods from Bangladesh, including readymade garments, an official confirmed on Tuesday. 

State Industries and Commerce Department Director Sailesh Kumar Yadav held a meeting with exporters and importers from Agartala, Dharmanagar, and Sonamura, directing them to adhere to these port curbs. 

The meeting took place at the Agartala Integrated Check Post (ICP) on Monday.

On May 17, the central government implemented port restrictions on the import of specific Bangladeshi goods, such as readymade garments and processed food items. 

This action was taken in response to similar restrictions placed by Bangladesh on certain Indian products last month. 

According to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) notification, these port restrictions will not apply to Bangladeshi goods transiting through India but destined for Nepal and Bhutan.

"Two days after the notification, the director held a meeting with all the stakeholders at Agartala ICP. He asked them to adhere to the restriction," said Debasish Nandi, Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) Manager, Agartala ICP. 

He added that exporters and importers expressed concerns about the future of bilateral trade between the two countries.

The Tripura Chamber of Trade and Business (TCTB) has welcomed the Centre's decision to impose these port restrictions. 

TCTB general secretary Rajat Paul stated that national interest comes first, while noting that Bangladeshi exporters who send goods in substantial quantities through land ports will likely be most affected by the government's move.

Nandi also reported that immigration through the Agartala ICP has decreased significantly following political changes in Bangladesh. 

"Before August 1, 2024, around 1,500 immigration clearances were given at Agartala ICP, but now it has come down to 150 per day," he said, attributing this decline to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government after recent unrest in Bangladesh.

(KNN Bureau)