India-Bangladesh Border Trade Hit Hard as DGFT Suspends Operations

News: Cross-border trade between India’s Northeast and Bangladesh has been severely disrupted since May 17 after the DGFT halted operations at key landports, including Akhaura ICP near Agartala.

Hundreds of trucks were denied movement, with only limited essential goods like fish and cement allowed.

Regular imports of processed foods, plastic products, and beverages have ceased. Bangladeshi exporters fear long-term economic losses, as daily exports worth ₹30 lakh have stalled. Major firms like RFL Plastic report being cut off from Northeast markets.

Despite a high-level meeting by Tripura authorities, even essential items face permit issues. The business community is urging urgent diplomatic action to resume trade and restore this critical India-Bangladesh trade corridor.