Importers are quite concerned as bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Myanmar through the Teknaf land port has effectively halted since November 14. The stoppage is due to the ongoing conflict between the Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar's military junta in the Rakhine state.
According to ASM Mosharaf Hossain, revenue officer of Teknaf Customs, This suspension of trade is costing the government of Bangladesh around Tk 30 mln in revenues each day, with total accumulated losses reaching over Tk 150 mln.
Md Jasim Uddin, general manager of United Land Port Limited, the private body operating the lone gateway to trade with Myanmar, said the last ship bearing imports came to the port on November 14. No further ships came to the port after, nor did any ships leave with exported goods.
The main import items include ginger, garlic, onions, dried fish, frozen fish, coconut, pickles, betel nuts and logs.
Source: thedailystar.net