Trade thru' Hili port stops as Indian truckers go on strike
Trade between India and Bangladesh through Hili Land Port in Dinajpur has remained suspended since Sunday afternoon as the Indian truckers went on strike to realise their six-point demand.
The demands include steps to stop collection of extra money from each truck, ensure security of truckers, helpers and workers and toilet facilities for them in the port area, and putting an end to alleged harassment of truckers, helpers by the staff of Panama Port Link Limited.
Port sources said the truckers went on the strike as a meeting between the leaders of Indian Truckers' Association and C & F Agents Association of India and port officials and C & F Agents Association of Bangladesh on the demands ended inconclusively.
Traders said around 500 onion-laden trucks got stranded inside India due to the strike. “Onion will get damaged if the strike is not withdrawn immediately” said Indian trader Khokon Sarker at Hili port.
Ashok Mondol, general secretary of Indian C & F Agents Association, said Panama port authority collects extra money from each of the Indian goods-laden truck. Sometimes, members of Panama port authority beat up the truckers and helper, Ashok said, adding that if the situation is not improved at the port, the truckers will not operate trucks.
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