As many as 150 Indian trucks have remained stranded at Benapole port for the last three months due to the enforcement of lockdown in Indian parts, causing untold sufferings to the truckers.
According to sources at Benapole port, the Indian trucks with goods entered the port area three months ago. The goods have been unloaded but the trucks remained stranded there as the authorities concerned of Indian Border Security Force (BSF) did not allow them to enter in the Indian territory due to fear of coronavirus.
The port authorities have provided food to the truckers who have been complaining about food and accommodation problem.
Besides, traffic congestion was seen at the port area as the Indian trucks were kept under the shed of the port.
Raza, an Indian truck driver, said: “I came here three months ago. Though the goods were unloaded, the BSF members did not allow us to enter India because of the coronavirus outbreak."
“Besides, we do not get sufficient food and we have to spend the night on truck,” he said.
Raju Ahmed, a leader of Benapole Port Workers Union, said they are facing problem due to the Indian trucks kept under the shed of the port. "We are failing to place our trucks under the shed due to accommodation problem.”
Tariqul Islam, a leader of Bangladesh Truck Workers Association, said 75 Bangladeshi trucks remained stranded in the Petrapole Port in India. Though the BSF members have send back the Bangladeshi truckers amid lockdown.
Mamun Kabir Tarafdar, deputy-director of Benapole Port, said the truckers would be able to go back to their country within two to three days as communications between two countries are going on to settle the issue.
The export-import activities at Benapole port remained suspended from March 22 due to the pandemic, reports UNB.