State Minister for Shipping Md Rajib Ahsan has announced that border trade between Bangladesh and Myanmar is expected to resume soon through the Teknaf Land Port.
The announcement came during his visit to the port on Monday, where he reviewed preparations to restart operations after a prolonged suspension.
The minister said reopening the port would help restore economic activity in the region, benefiting local businesses and workers who have been facing hardship due to the shutdown. He added that the government is working to fully resume import and export operations at the earliest.
He also stated that only local workers will be allowed to work at the port once operations resume, and their identities will be verified by the authorities. No Rohingya workers will be permitted to work at the facility, he said.
Rajib Ahsan noted that the extended closure of the port has caused financial losses for traders, workers, and the government, which has also lost significant revenue. He emphasized that steps have already been taken to reopen the port as soon as possible.
During the visit, the minister inspected port infrastructure, import-export systems, and overall operational readiness, and issued necessary instructions to officials concerned.
Local labour leader Ali Azgar Majhi said hundreds of workers have remained unemployed since the port was shut, leaving many in financial hardship. He expressed hope that the reopening would allow workers to return to their jobs and support their families.
Former president of the C&F Agents Association and businessman Mohammad Hashem said trade had been disrupted due to obstructions from the Arakan Army on the Myanmar side. He alleged that cargo vessels were frequently blocked, which hampered normal operations.
He added that continued disruptions eventually led to the suspension of trade, creating difficulties for those dependent on the port.
Stakeholders have expressed hope that the early resumption of operations will revive the local economy and ease the hardship caused by the prolonged closure.
Jahangir Alam/MHK