Hili Land port: Indian truckers strike halts trade
Trade through the Hili Land Port of Dinajpur was suspended today due to a strike by Indian truckers.
However, the immigration services remained normal at the port area, said officials.
According to the port officials, an Indian truck driver allegedly attempted to go out of the restricted area of the port on Saturday afternoon. When a security guard prevented him, other Indian truck drivers and transport workers insisted the guard allow him to go outside.
Later, a scuffling broke out between the transport workers and security officials, said the officials.
After the incident, the truck drivers and helpers blocked the entrance and exit gates of Hili-Panama Port Link Limited in Hakimpur upazila of Dinajpur for an hour, disrupting traffic movement.
The Indian transport workers continued their non-cooperation this morning, suspending the trade through the Hili port.
No goods loaded truck came into Bangladesh from India through the port today (Sunday), said Shahinur Reza Shahin an importer of the port
A large number of loaded trucks were seen sitting idle on the Indian side since morning, he said, urging authorities to solve the issue as soon as possible.
Sohrab Hossain, the public relation officer of Hili Port, said the port authority has taken steps to solve the issue.
Indian transportation workers can't move in the port area freely due to restrictions, he said, adding they have all the services available within the port compound.
Port officials said there have been allegations against the drivers and helpers of getting involved in various crimes going outside the port area.
On any given day, around 300 trucker usually stay inside the port area.
Comments