Ongoing conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine state has disrupted cross-border trade between Bangladesh and Myanmar. Following the Arakan Army’s takeover of Maungdaw, import-export activities at Teknaf Land Port have reached a near standstill. The Arakan Army has reportedly been intercepting cargo ships and trawlers heading toward the port from Myanmar.
According to sources, the Arakan Army detained three cargo boats carrying goods from Yangon on January 16. After four days, the Arakan Army released two vessels carrying over 50,000 sacks of merchandise, but they still controlled one boat. The estimated value of the stranded cargo ranges from Tk30-Tk40 crore, resulting in significant revenue losses for the government.
Jasim Uddin, General Manager of United Land Port Limited, which operates the Teknaf port, stated, “Traders are deeply concerned. Imports have sharply declined due to the border conflict, severely impacting trade.”
Abu Morshed Chowdhury, President of the Cox’s Bazar Chamber of Commerce, noted, “The Arakan Army is demanding a share of trade profits and blocking entry to vessels without proper permits in their controlled waters.”
Customs officials revealed that the conflict has already caused an estimated revenue loss of Tk1700 crore in the current fiscal year. Traders have urged the government to intervene and restore normalcy in cross-border trade between the two nations.
By Rajin Saleh
Photo: Collected
