Bhutan-bound goods stuck at Burimari as India delays approval

Bangladesh’s trial initiative to transport goods to Bhutan has encountered a setback due to the lack of permission to use Indian territory. A container carrying Bhutan-bound goods from Thailand via Chattogram Port is currently stuck at Burimari Land Port in Lalmonirhat.

The container arrived at Burimari Land Port on Thursday (28 November). Despite several attempts on Thursday and Friday, the shipment could not enter Bhutan via India’s Changrabandha Land Port because Indian authorities have not issued a ‘No Objection’ certificate.

The initiative was launched under the Bangladesh-Bhutan protocol agreement to enhance connectivity between the two countries. During a trade secretary-level meeting in April, it was decided that two trial shipments would be sent to Bhutan using Bangladesh’s seaport and road network along with Indian road routes. This first shipment arrived at Burimari via Chattogram as part of that plan.

Sources said the shipment, sent from Bangkok by Abit Trading Company Limited, contains six types of products, including fruit juice, jelly, dried fruits, lychee-flavored candy, and shampoo. The container reached Chattogram Port on 22 September and was then transported by road to Burimari.

Faruk Hossain, a representative of Benko Limited and a member of the C&F Association, said the Bhutan-bound trial shipment from Chattogram is currently at Burimari and added that once India grants road transit permission, the goods will be sent onward.

Mahmudul Hasan, Assistant Director (Traffic) of Burimari Land Port, confirmed that the container has been kept in the port yard since Thursday.

Meanwhile, Delwar Hossain, Assistant Commissioner of Burimari Customs Station, said Bangladesh has completed all preparations for the shipment. “All customs procedures on our side are done. Now, we are only waiting for approval from Indian customs or authorities. Once we get the green signal, the goods will be released for Bhutan,” he added.

As of the latest updates, Indian authorities have not confirmed when or if approval will be granted, leaving this highly anticipated trial transshipment operation in uncertainty.