Current Activities at Saidpur Land Port Are Sluggish.

Staff reporter. Saidpur is mainly the commercial hub of Nilphamari district. The major industry here was jhut garment ready-made garments made from scrap fabric collected from factories in Dhaka and Chattogram for export. After India banned the import of 7 categories of goods through land ports,Saidpur’s garment exports dropped by nearly 50% Previously, goods were sent through Benapole, Sonamasjid, and Sonahat land ports. Now they have to be shipped by sea. As a result transport costs have tripled from Tk 20,000 to Tk 60,000 for the same volume, and delivery time has increased to 20-25 days. Around 500 families are involved with this industry.The main destinations were India, Nepal, and Bhutan. As a Regional Connectivity and Transit Hub. The government has declared Saidpur Airport a regional airport,Land ports are being linked with it The Commerce Minister said that if Saidpur Regional Airport, Banglabandha, and Bhurimari land ports are properly utilized,trade with Bhutan will increase significantly. Bangladesh-Bhutan Transit Agreement has been finalized. Through this, both countries will be able to transport goods using Indian territory. Bangladesh has also given Nepal permission to use Saidpur Airport Traders are demanding the resumption of the Saidpur-Dhaka air route,Because businessmen involved in import-export through Burimari, Banglabandha, and Hili land ports want to use this route for faster travel.