Kolkata: The central government has imposed new restrictions on the import of certain goods from Bangladesh through land ports, a move that could affect employment and transport revenues in West Bengal but is being justified as essential for protecting national interests. The restrictions, announced on Saturday, come in response to similar trade curbs imposed by Bangladesh last month on Indian products.
According to the new directive, imports of readymade garments, processed food items, and several other goods from Bangladesh will now be limited to specific seaports — namely, Nhava Sheva and Kolkata — effectively barring their entry through land ports. Previously, up to 20-30 trucks carrying high-end garments from Bangladesh entered India daily through land routes, even after third-country transhipment was banned. When such transhipment was permitted, the volume stood at 60-80 trucks per day, said Kartik Chakraborty of the Petrapole Clearing Agents Staff Welfare Association (PCASWA).
Chakraborty noted that the new restrictions will directly impact truckers and border logistics workers who rely on cross-border trade for their livelihood. While seaport alternatives are still open, they are less practical due to longer transit times of nearly two weeks, compared to the quicker 3-4 day journey via land.
A trade expert, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the move may have strategic undertones tied to recent geopolitical developments, including Bangladesh’s growing ties with Pakistan. The expert argued that the influx of Bangladeshi garments into Indian retail chains at highly competitive prices was akin to “market dumping,” affecting domestic manufacturers.
The central government’s notification specifically bans the import of readymade garments through land ports, limiting it to the designated seaports. It also restricts the entry of items such as fruit juices, carbonated drinks, snacks, confectionery, cotton waste, plastics, dyes, and wooden furniture through Land Customs Stations (LCSs) and Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) in the northeastern states and two LCSs in West Bengal — Changrabandha and Fulbari.
Despite the economic impact on regional trade and employment, officials maintain that the decision serves larger strategic goals. “The national interest must take precedence over short-term economic disruptions,” said a senior official.
