Sylhet, Dec 04 (V7N)— Trade activities through Jokiganj customs station in Sylhet have come to a standstill due to protests by the 'Sanatani Oikya Manch' in Sribhumi Karimganj, India. The disruption, which began on Monday, has also affected operations at other customs ports in the district, halting all imports and exports between Bangladesh and India.

According to sources at Jokiganj customs station, Bangladesh relies on this route for importing items like oranges, satkara, and ginger. On Monday morning, around six tons of oranges were imported into Bangladesh from Sribhumi Karimganj before the protests escalated.

The protesters, who initiated their programme under the banner 'Chalo Bangladesh,' have been blocking trade activities in the Karimganj customs station area since then, effectively shutting down all commercial transactions with Bangladesh.

The situation is similarly dire at Shyola Sutarkandi customs station in Biyani Bazar, where stone imports from India and various exports from Bangladesh have been suspended. Furthermore, trade through Tamabil land port in Goainghat has also come to a halt, exacerbating the economic impact of the disruption.

Efforts to resume operations are yet to yield results, leaving traders and businesses on both sides facing significant losses. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as they work towards a resolution.

END/MSS/AJ