Imports thru' Benapole returning to normal

On Sunday, about 300 loaded trucks entered Bangladesh. The number was 63 on September 2, 32 on September 3 and 71 on September 4. Earlier, 300 to 400 loaded trucks would enter Bangladesh daily.

The number had declined sharply flowing strict customs inspection at Petrapole land port and strong vigilance by BSF (Indian Border Security Force) on the Indian side.

The Indian customs had tightened inspection to check alleged carrying of goods in excess of LCs and unauthorised trespass, sources in Benapole land port told this correspondent.

BSF strength has been increased along the border following the August 21 grenade attack on Awami League rally in Dhaka and the fallout political turmoil, they said.

The BSF has imposed nightly curfew on the Indian side of the border and have been ordered 'shoot at sight' to check trespass.

A high-powered Indian team led by Chief Customs Commissioner Lipika Majumder from Calcutta had visited Petrapole land port to enforce strict vigilance, the sources said.

The number of travelers to and from India has also declined in the last few days, they said.

BSF reinforcement has also created panic among people near the border areas inside Bangla-desh. Farmers seldom go to their fields as BSF personnel point their guns to Bangladeshis inside the border and even fire shots at times without any provocation, many farmers said.

When asked, a source in the BDR 25th Battalion said they are keeping a vigil on the border.