Traders stopped import-export business protesting double parking charges in Burimari land port

Trade through the Burimari land port in Lalmonirhat has remained suspended since yesterday centring protests over a sudden doubling of parking fees, which the port officials denied bringing about.

Revenue generation at the port before the pandemic averaged at Tk 7 crore a month whereas afterwards, it has dropped to Tk 2 crore.

Vehicles entering the port for loading or offloading goods pay Tk 300 for a 24-hour stay.

But traders, truck drivers and workers there alleged that the port authorities started collecting the parking charge at a rate of Tk 600 per vehicle since yesterday without making any prior announcement.

This led them to halt the import-export activities, they told The Daily Star.

"We are outraged that the port authorities have taken such a step. We are not interested in complying with an increase in charges without prior discussions," said Shamim Ahmed, a trader.

The parking rate has not been increased; rather, confusion has been created centring payment of extended stays, said Shaheen Alam, traffic inspector at the port.

If the charge is increased at the customs yard, traders and stakeholders will be informed in advance, he said.

The matter is being discussed with the port authorities, said Ruhul Amin Babul, convener of the Burimari Land Port Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association.