BSF stops transit to Nepal
Banglabandha land port silent
Import and export through Banglabandha Land Port in Panchagarh remained suspended for two days after an untoward incident between Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and clearing and forwarding (C&F) agents of Nepal on Tuesday, port sources said.
As a result, 200 loaded trucks have been stranded on both sides of the border. Port activities halted when BSF members at Phulbari camp in India prevented rice and lentil laden trucks from entering Bangladesh from Nepal through Indian territory. As the Nepalese C & F agents protested, an altercation ensued with the BSF personnel. At one stage, BSF men assaulted the agents and truck drivers which led to haltage in port activities, port sources said.
When contacted, Md Shafiqur Islam, a C & F agent of Banglabandha port said BSF did not open the transit route and the port situation worsened yesterday.
Major Sheikh Farid of 25 BDR Battalion at Panchagarh said BDR has started contact with BSF officials to break the stalemate.
Port sources said Bangladesh and Nepal use Indian land at Phulbari village for transit.
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