Indian Goods Boycott Limited to Facebook as Essentials Enter Through Banglabandha

Staff Reporter

The call to boycott Indian goods in Bangladesh remains confined to social media platforms like Facebook. In reality, consumers prioritize affordability and availability over the origin of goods. Indian products maintain high demand in the Bangladeshi market and are imported regularly.

Montaz Mia, a staff member of a clearing and forwarding (C&F) agency at the Banglabandha land port in Panchagarh, said demand for Indian goods remains robust. Initially known for stone imports, the port now facilitates the entry of other products, including atap rice and onions.

In November and December, 200 tons of atap rice and 180 tons of onions were imported in phases through this port.

Banglabandha, located in Tetulia upazila of Panchagarh, serves as a vital trade route between Bangladesh and India, Nepal, and Bhutan.

On December 10, Bismillah Banijyaloy imported 30 tons of onions via Banglabandha. Earlier, the company imported 30 tons on December 7 and December 3 and in four other shipments in November, totaling 180 tons.

Abul Kalam Azad, manager of Banglabandha Land Port Limited, said the port handles not only stones but also atap rice, onions, lentils, wheat, maize, machinery, plastic granules, rail sleepers, ginger, and molasses, among other goods.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh exports jute, medicine, Walton products, juice, motorcycles, and batteries to India and Nepal through the same port.

Abdullah Al Musa, a C&F agent, and Pavel from Bismillah Banijyaloy said they occasionally import onions from India. They said Banglabandha’s four-country trade potential offers significant opportunities for business expansion.

Customs officials at Banglabandha reported increased revenue due to its growing activity. The port generated BDT 736.9 million in revenue during the 2023–24 fiscal year. In the current fiscal year, it has already collected BDT 203 million as of September, against a target of BDT 395.3 million.

Rezaul Karim Shahin, coordinator of the Banglabandha Import-Export Group, said they are working to expand port operations. Atap rice is now a key import. On November 26, Al Amin Enterprise imported 100 tons of atap rice through the port, facilitated by C&F agent Prohor International. On Sunday, Salma Trading from Chattogram imported another 100 tons through the same agent.