The export of goods to Bangladesh via the Mahadipur land port in Malda district has been hit during the past few days as many truck drivers and cleaners are reluctant to cross the international border after the recent unrest in the neighbouring country.

The rigorous checking of trucks by the Border Security Force (BSF), which has beefed up its vigil under the given circumstances, has also slowed the movement of trucks.

Mahadipur, which is around 20 kilometres from the district headquarters of Malda, is one of the prominent land ports of Bengal.

Usually, around 325 trucks, carrying stone chips, onions, corns, spices and fruits, enter Bangladesh through Mahadipur six days a week, except Friday.

“On an average, goods worth around 24.45 lakh USD are being exported through this border every day. But ever since the unrest in Bangladesh, there has been a decrease in the number of trucks as some truck drivers are worried about their own security and do not want to get into the neighbouring country. These days, only 250-odd trucks are going to Bangladesh,” said Prasenjit Ghosh, a representative of Mahadipur Exporters’ Association.

Bhupati Mandal, secretary of the Mahadipur Clearing & Forwarding Agents’ Welfare Association, said the drivers were panicky.

“Some are ready to ferry the goods till the border but want us to shift the goods to some other truck so that it can be exported to Bangladesh. We are talking to them and there is even a plan to conduct counselling sessions with the help of the administration, police and the BSF so that they do not feel discouraged to drive trucks beyond the international border,” Mandal said.

He also said that BSF has tightened its vigil on the trucks at Mahadipur.

“It is taking longer than the usual and hence fewer trucks are moving to Bangladesh. But we have no objection as the BSF personnel are performing their duties,” he added.

The overall situation has left the exporters in trouble.

Those ready to cross the border are asking for higher rates. Added to it is the hike in diesel price, which is further increasing their costs.

“We have to bear additional costs. The rates are fixed there beforehand and we cannot ask for higher rates from (Bangladesh clients),” said an exporter.