Indian curbs halve exports through Benapole

India has kept a series of restrictions on Bangladeshi goods in place since the 2024 change in the political landscape

India's restrictions on Bangladeshi goods remain in place nearly two years after the student-led mass uprising changed the political landscape, slashing exports through the Benapole Land Port.

Port data show exports to India fell from 381,440 tonnes in the 2024-25 fiscal year to 192,082 tonnes in 2025-26, a drop of 189,358 tonnes.

Stakeholders say the decline has hurt both Bangladesh's export trade and the wider economy.

According to Benapole port authorities, 305 trucks carrying Indian goods entered Bangladesh on Monday, while only 44 trucks crossed into India with Bangladeshi exports.

Traders blame the imbalance on Indian restrictions imposed after the political transition.

India halted road exports of garments to third countries via its airports on Apr 8, 2025, banned road exports of jute and jute products on Apr 15, and later barred land imports of garments, yarn, plastic, wood products, fruits and processed fruit under a notification issued on May 17.

Benapole Import-Export Association Vice-President Aminul Haque said the restrictions remained despite Bangladesh's new democratic government taking office, creating a major setback for exports.

Mustafizzoha Selim, office secretary of the Benapole C&F Agents Association, urged the government to pursue diplomatic efforts to remove the restrictions while expanding alternative export markets.

India-Bangladesh Land Port Import-Export Committee President Matiar Rahman said better use of the Bangladesh-India-Nepal-Bhutan transit arrangement could boost exports to Nepal and Bhutan.

Benapole Land Port Director Shamim Hossain said steps were being taken to increase exports.