Export-import operations put off at Benapole for Holi

Trading has been put off for a day at Benapole land port as a result of Dol Purnima celebrations in neighbouring India.

Dol Purnima, also known as Dol Jatra, is a major a festival of the Hindus dedicated to their deity Sri Krishna.

Operations at Petrapole, on the Indian side of the border checkpoint, were stopped on Sunday morning, although unloading of goods at Benapole was continuing, said Benapole Land Port Deputy-Director (traffic) Abdul Jalil.   

Traffic on the border is normal, said Benapole Checkpost Immigration OC Iqbal Ahmmed.

Indian C&F (clearing and forwarding) agents, staffers, handling labourers and truck drivers are on leave for celebrating Dol Jatra, said Petrapole Clearing Agents Welfare Association General Secretary Kartik Chakrobothy.

Regular port activities had been sluggish since Saturday. They will return to normal from Monday morning, he added.

Benapole Checkpost Customs Cargo wing's Assistant Tax Officer Titumir Ahmed said Indian trucks are still bringing in consignments to Benapole and returning after unloading.