Cross-border trade has resumed at the Teknaf Land Port after a 13-month suspension, bringing relief to local traders and workers.
A wooden cargo boat from Maungdaw, Myanmar, departed in the morning and arrived at Teknaf around 1:30 pm on Friday (May 1), carrying timber.
During a visit to the port, Member of Parliament Shahjahan Chowdhury said the government wants to ensure the continuation of legal trade to generate revenue, adding that the resumption aligns with earlier commitments.
Omar Faruk, a director of a C&F agent firm, said the arrival of the timber-laden boat has revived hope among traders, noting that full-scale operations could help recover losses incurred during the prolonged closure.
Enamul Hasan, general secretary of the C&F Association, expressed gratitude to the authorities for reopening the trade route, saying traders are beginning to regain confidence.
According to Mohammad Jasim Uddin Chowdhury, general manager (accounts) of United Land Port Limited, the vessel carried 963 pieces of timber, including Champa and Garjan wood, which are currently being unloaded.
Earlier, on April 14, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed visited the port to assess the situation and prospects for reopening.
The resumption of trade is expected to gradually restore economic activity in the border region, benefiting both traders and labourers dependent on port operations.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
