BENAPOLE: Work has finally started to install CCTV cameras at Benapole land port after 48 years of the port's establishment.
CCTV cameras are being installed to ensure the safety of imported goods following demands from the traders.
Work is underway to install 375 CCTV cameras in the entire port area at a cost of Tk 150 million. Though late, traders are happy with the installation CCTV cameras.
Port authorities say CCTV cameras will ensure the safety of the port. Similarly, the entire port will be monitored for commercial activities from import to loading-unloading and delivery.
According to port sources, import-export trade with India started through Benapole land port in early 1972. Eighty per cent of the goods are imported through the Benapole port.
However, for security reasons, CCTV cameras were installed in various government and non-government organisations including Benapole Customs and Immigration long ago.
The most important thing is that the land port has not come under the CCTV camera so far.There were various unpleasant incidents including theft of goods from the port, drug trafficking, mysterious fire, and killing of security personnel inside the port.
Despite the anger of the traders, the work of installing CCTV cameras was limited to the promise.
Some 375 modern CCTV cameras are being installed in important installations of the port including Dhaka-Kolkata highway, Port Bypass Road, Warehouse, Indian Truck and Chassis Terminal and International Bus Terminal.
In the first phase, work is underway to build cable connections underground.
Work is going on under the supervision of a company Smart Technology.
Truck driver Babu Mia said leaving the truck in the port area we can not sleep whole night. Truck batteries, wheels and cargoes were stolen.
Benapole importer Abdul Latif said many traders have stopped importing through this port due to theft of imported goods. Traders have suffered huge financial losses. If there was CCTV camera before, it would not have happened.
Benapole C&F Agents Association President Mofizur Rahman Sajon said the Benapole port handles imports worth Tk 400 billion and exports worth Tk 80 billion annually. The government earns about Tk 60 billion from import trade. Traders' long-standing demand for CCTV cameras is about to be fulfilled, he added.
