A team of senior police officers visited Changrabandha, a land port and an immigration check post at the India-Bangladesh border in Cooch Behar district, on Wednesday to check out the existing infrastructure there and to hear out the exporters who trade through this route.

Led by Col Nevendera Singh Paul, a joint commissioner of Calcutta police, the team, along with officers of the Border Security Force, reached Changrabandha. They spoke with the local exporters and also those from Bhutan who send goods to Bangladesh through the land port.

The meeting was held at the local border outpost of the BSF.

“He (Col Paul) gathered information from exporters so that necessary steps could be taken to boost export and increase vigil at the land port. The exporters were told they could now check the live status of the vehicle used to export goods to Bangladesh as the state has introduced an app for it. CCTV cameras will be installed in a number of locations. It would enhance the security of the area and curb crimes,” said Amit Verma, the additional superintendent of police of Mathabhanga, who was in the team.

Every day, around 250 trucks from India and Bhutan enter Bangladesh through Changrabandha. Also, 400 to 500 people move through the immigration check post every day between the two countries.

Nowadays, Bhutan exports stones and pebbles to Bangladesh through Changrabandha. India also exports stones, pebbles and corn to Bangladesh through the same land port, said sources.

After the meeting was over, the exporters said they raised certain issues in front of the visiting team.

“If we use a 10-wheel truck to export stones, we have to pay Rs 5,000 to the Indian government. If this sum is reduced, the scale of export will rise,” said Bimal Ghosh, a representative of the Changrabandha Exporters’ Association.

Exporters also sought a rest shed and drinking water supply for truck drivers, their helpers and other people who regularly move through the land port.

“They face inconveniences, especially during summer and monsoon months. These (shed and drinking water supply) are some basic amenities that should be present here,” added Ghosh.