Rising India-Bangladesh Trade at Sutarkandi Port Boosts Economic Outlook

Photo: ANI

Asif Iqbal | April 24, 2024 | 10:26 PM IST | Asia, Bangladesh, India, World | Tags: Bangladesh, India | Follow on Google News

Rising India-Bangladesh Trade at Sutarkandi Port Boosts Economic Outlook

Rising India-Bangladesh Trade at Sutarkandi Port Boosts Economic Outlook

Trade between India and Bangladesh via the Sutarkandi Land Port in Assam’s Karimganj district has seen a significant surge in recent years. Local businesses and residents are optimistic about further growth in bilateral trade. The Land Ports Authority of India reports that India currently has eleven operational land ports, facilitating trade valued at Rs 47,594 crore up to January 2024.

Located on the India-Bangladesh border in Assam’s Karimganj district, the Sutarkandi Land Port serves as the primary customs checkpoint for trade. Established in 2007 by the Assam government, a Border Trade Centre at Sutarkandi facilitates the export of fruits, coal, silicon, palm and soya oil, food items, soft drinks, plastics, household goods, and waste cotton.

Imdadul Hoque Choudhury, a local trader, shared his observations with ANI, stating that trade through Sutarkandi has been on a steady rise since 2016-17. He credits improved road connectivity and diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh for the growth. Choudhury noted that around 3,500 stone-laden trucks and 300-400 coal-laden trucks head to Bangladesh daily. He also highlighted the increasing export of railway construction materials and ginger. Approximately 5,000 families are directly or indirectly involved in trade at Sutarkandi.

Another trader, Nazrul Islam, echoed Choudhury’s sentiments, noting improved road connectivity and increased exports as factors contributing to local prosperity.

In political news, the Karimganj Lok Sabha constituency in Assam, with a significant Bengali-speaking Muslim population, will witness a competitive election on April 26. The BJP, Congress, and AIUDF are the main contenders. The BJP currently holds Karimganj, with Kripanath Mallah as its representative. In the upcoming 2024 elections, Mallah will face competition from AIUDF’s Sahabul Islam Choudhury and Congress’s Advocate Hafeez Rashid Ahmed Choudhury. Despite challenges from minority voters, the BJP could benefit from a divided opposition between AIUDF and Congress.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.