Photo: BSS

JASHORE, April 30, 2026 (BSS) - Import and export activities through the Benapole-Petrapole Land Port resumed on Thursday morning following a three-day suspension due to the West Bengal state assembly elections in India.

Authorities had halted regular commercial operations at the land ports from 6:00 pm on Sunday until Thursday afternoon, citing security concerns related to the election. Despite the suspension, limited cross-border movement continued, allowing passport-holding passengers to travel in special cases, including the transport of highly perishable goods and emergency medical services.

Benapole C&F Staff Association General Secretary Sajedur Rahman said that the temporary shutdown was implemented based on directives from Indian authorities in light of the election situation.

Benapole Port Director Md. Shamim Hossain confirmed that full-scale operations resumed from Thursday morning, with Indian trucks carrying goods entering the port and export activities proceeding at a normal pace.

Meanwhile, Benapole Customs Assistant Commissioner Rahat Hossain said that internal customs operations remained functional during the closure. Special measures were taken to unload perishable goods.
With the resumption of import-export activities, normalcy has returned to the port area, restoring the flow of trade between Bangladesh and India through this key land route.