The Teknaf Land Port in Cox’s Bazar, which remained closed for nearly a year due to conflict in Myanmar, is set to resume border trade following an inspection by State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan.
On Monday morning, around 11:30 am, the state minister visited the land port located in the Keruntoli area of Sadar Union in Teknaf Upazila, adjacent to the Naf River. He also inspected the warehouse and reviewed stored goods before holding a meeting with officials from relevant agencies and law enforcement authorities.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, Rajib Ahsan said initiatives have been taken to reactivate the land port. He noted that discussions have already been held with businessmen and officials from BGB, the Coast Guard, customs, C&F agents, and the National Board of Revenue.
“Based on the demand of stakeholders and the public, operations at the Teknaf Land Port have been resumed from today,” he said.
He added that trade activities will continue through mutual arrangements between the governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar. The reopening of the land port is aligned with that framework.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the land port authority, Muhammad Manzarul Mannan, said that although the port remained officially open, there had been some security-related challenges. However, there are currently no major obstacles to import and export operations. Coordination with law enforcement agencies is being strengthened to fully normalize activities.
The visit was attended by senior officials, including Shipping Ministry Secretary Dr Noorunnahar Chowdhury, Lt Col Md Hanifur Rahman Bhuiyan, commander of Teknaf 2 BGB Battalion, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Imam Ul Hafiz Nadeem, and Cox’s Bazar Additional Superintendent of Police Md Rakib Uddin, among others.
Meanwhile, due to the ongoing conflict for around one and a half years, approximately 270 kilometres of the Rakhine State border on the Myanmar side remains under the control of the Arakan Army. The group is reportedly regulating vessel movement along the Naf River in that area. As a result, border trade was effectively halted after the Myanmar junta suspended operations due to obstruction related to the Arakan Army’s commission demands. This has caused financial losses for over a hundred importers and exporters. As of April 6, cargo vessels from Myanmar have not resumed operations at the Teknaf Land Port.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
