Import-Export trade between the two countries through Benapole port has been suspended indefinitely since Sunday morning.
Five port users' organizations have called for an indefinite strike.
The port users' organizations have suspended all kinds of activities including import and export. They demand including the case filed by the customs authorities and resume the canceled C&F license.
As a result, thousands of trucks carrying perishable goods were stranded on both port sides.
A large quantity of Indian banned goods including phencidyl, explosives, cigarettes and , current net Imported from India hidden in an Indian trucks through bond license (duty free).
The C and F agents traders alleged that the Indian truck drivers were directly involved in the incident but they were released.
Importers of Denim Fabrics are Onanta Fashion Limited and IDES Group Limited. Customs authorities on Wednesday suspended two C&F licenses following the Incident.
Later, a case was also filed in the name of C&F employees Shamsul Islam at Benapole Port Police Station.
Port users demand for proper investigation of the incident and suspension of C&F license without arrest of Indian truck drivers and withdrawal of case against employees on March 3 morning.
A joint meeting of Benapole C&F Agents Association, C&F Staff Association, Transport Owners Association, Port Handling Workers Union and truck and Tang Lodi Workers Union last night decided to suspend all customs and port activities including import and export.
It was announced that the movement would continue till the license was restored and the case was withdrawn.
Sajedur Rahman, general secretary of the Benapole C&F Staff Association, said: Customs authorities have filed a case against a C&F staff member without identifying the real culprits.
It has been decided to suspended. import and export indefinitely if the harassment of customs officials is not stopped including withdrawal of strike. Benapole C&F Agents Association President Mofizur Rahman Sajan said, A group of Indian truck drivers have long been smuggling illicit goods in the Benapole-Petrapole port through the smuggling syndicate in trucks of legal imports. Customs officials have already seized several consignments.
He sought the intervention of the Chairman of the National Board of Revenue to resolve the situation.
Abdul Rashid Mia, Joint Commissioner, Benapole Custom House, said: On March 3, an Indian truck with phencidyl, cigarettes, Indian liquor and other smuggled goods was seized from the port under the guise of legal shipment.
Two C&F licenses have been temporarily suspended over the allegations. A case has also been filed in the police station for importing illegal goods. Negotiations are underway with the concerned port users to keep the import-export activities going.
An emergency meeting was held at the Benapole Customs House with the customs officials and the leaders of the five agitating organizations to discuss the situation.
The meeting was chaired by Customs Commissioner Azizur Rahman and discussed various issues but in the end the discussion was not fruitful.
