The Indian government's recent cancellation of the transshipment facility has had no impact on the Darshana railway port in Chuadanga, Bangladesh. However, trade activities at the port have not returned to full normalcy since August 5 of last year.
According to Atiar Rahman Habu, General Secretary of the C&F Agents Association at the Darshana railway port, there is no trade through this port with Nepal or Bhutan. ''Our operations are limited to trade with India, so India's decision to revoke the transshipment facility does not affect us,'' he explained.
He added that while some irregularities have been observed since August 5, goods are still being transported by rail. However, the pace is slower than before, and traders are waiting for conditions to fully stabilize.
Other business operators echoed this view, pointing out that although there is no trade with Nepal or Bhutan through Darshana, the port remains cost-effective and time-efficient for cargo movement.
Mirza Kamrul Haque, Manager of Darshana International Railway Station, also confirmed that India's decision will not affect the port. ''This port only handles import and export between Bangladesh and India,'' he said.
India canceled the transshipment facility on April 8, according to a circular from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). Previously, the facility allowed Bangladesh to use Indian land ports to export goods to third countries.
