Trade thru' Bhomra port suspended

Export-import between Bangladesh and India through Bhomra land port came to a halt yesterday due to an indefinite strike enforced by the C&F agent associations of the two countries.
Ghozadanga C&F Agent Association of India and Bhomra C&F Agent Association went on the strike to realise their demand for allowing movement of heavy goods-laden vehicles on the bridge in front of Ghozadanga immigration check post.
Earlier on Thursday, the C& F agent associations of the two countries took the decision to go for the strike at a joint meeting held at zero point along Bhomra immigration check post.
Ohidul Islam, general secretary of Bhomra C&F Agent Association, said the authorities concerned had earlier imposed a ban on movement of heavy vehicles, including ten-wheel trucks, on the bridge as it was in a bad shape.
So, the goods in heavy trucks coming from India had to be shifted to general trucks near the bridge that caused financial loss to the traders and wasted much of their time.
Recently, the Indian authorities repaired the bridge, but they turned down the Indian C&F agent association's appeal for allowing use of the bridge.
The C&F agents again sought permission for use of the bridge, setting a January 17 deadline.
As the Indian authorities did not pay heed to the demand, the C&F agents of both countries decided to halt export-import activities through the port.