PM’s order not implemented Land port in Benapole

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced to keep the country's ports open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to promote import-export trade and modernize the country's ports.

As a result, port and customs officials are struggling. However, the Benapole port has not yet yielded any results. The previous rules are being followed.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered all ports and airports in the country to be open or operational 24 hours a day. This special instruction was given on August 1, 2026, the main aim of which is to speed up import-export activities and reduce foreign trade bottlenecks. The first decision to keep Benapole land port and Chittagong seaport open 24 hours a day was taken on July 19, 2017. From August 1, 2017, the activities officially started as per the decision. Port users are happy with the new order to open all ports and airports of the country 24 hours a day on August 1, 2026 after a long 1-year hiatus. As a result, businessmen will benefit from increased trade. However, business leader Mofizur Rahman Sajan - Member FBBI and former President C&F Agent Benapole Jessore - demanded that banks be kept open on holidays.

Some unscrupulous officials of the port and customs discouraged businessmen from importing and exporting at night or on holidays. They demanded bribes in the name of overtime. As a result, trade is being disrupted. On the other hand, those involved in import and export said that it would be beneficial if there is an international standard product laboratory and BSTI office at Benapole port - Ziayur Rahman, General Secretary, Import Exporters Association, Benapole Jessore.

However, port users C&F agent businessmen said. If banks are kept open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for import and export at the port, the pace of trade will increase. Demurrage will be reduced. If the port and customs are kept open 24 hours a day and a working environment is created, the revenue revenue will increase along with the increase in trade, said Benapole C&F Staff Association General Secretary Badiuzzamal Boni.

Benapole Land Port Director Md. Shamim Hossain said. They have not received any instructions from the NBR and the naval port authorities. They are sincere in implementing the instructions to keep the port open 24 hours a week. However, sincerity or cooperation of port users including business customs is needed. The port authorities are sincere in keeping the port open 24 hours a week. However, manpower needs to be increased.

The port users demand that the port should be kept operational 24 hours a week.