Stakeholders of bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh through Mahadipur, a land port in Malda district of Bengal, requested Toufique Hasan, the deputy high commissioner of Bangladesh in Calcutta, to take steps so that the export of goods from India through it can continue round the clock.

They also sought initiatives from both countries for a new road between Mahadipur and Sona Masjid in Chapai-Nawabganj of Bangladesh for the ease of trucks.

Similar issues, sources said, were raised on Wednesday at the state’s administrative review meeting of North 24-Parganas district, which has Petrapole, the largest land port in terms of trade volume that connects Bangladesh with India. The meeting, which chief minister Mamata Banerjee attended, was held in Madhyamgram.

On Wednesday, Hasan visited Mahadipur to check out the activities at the land port. The diplomat took stock of the export process at Mahadipur.

Around 300 trucks enter Bangladesh via Mahadipur each day. During the 12-hour-long trade till evening, goods worth around Rs 18 crore are traded, said exporters.

“We urged the deputy high commissioner to see to it that the gates remain open for 24 hours. Then we can send at least 500 trucks to Bangladesh,” said Hriday Ghosh, president, of Mahadipur Exporters’ Association.

Bhupati Mandal, secretary of the clearing and forwarding agents’ association, they asked for a new road of 500m between Mahadipur and Sona Masjid as the existing road, which passes through an old wall that is part of Malda’s history, is narrow.

At the Madhyamgram meeting, it was said that only 150 export trucks entered Bangladesh each day. Hence, hundreds of trucks making beeline to Petrapole and adjoining areas get stuck, causing snarls. Truckers pay detention charges for delay. “It was demanded that at least 700 trucks be allowed to cross the border each day. The chief minister said the state will look into it,” said a source.

“The chief secretary and the district administration will speak with central government agencies to facilitate smooth bilateral trade at the border,” said a source.

On the issue of 24/7 conducting border trade, a source said: “The order exists but because of the pandemic, export is carried out from dawn to dusk. Round-the-clock trade at the border can be carried on only if situation improves and both countries agree to it.”