Trade Resumes at Akhaura Land Port

Trade activities at Akhaura Land Port in Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh, have restarted after a brief halt caused by a National Board of Revenue (NBR) shutdown. The port, a key hub for commerce with India, faced disruptions over the weekend due to protests by NBR officials demanding leadership changes and structural reforms. The strike, which began on June 28, 2025, stopped import and export operations, leaving trucks stranded and goods uncleared.

On June 29, 2025, the NBR Reform Unity Council announced the withdrawal of their protest, allowing customs and port operations to resume. By Monday, June 30, 2025, workers returned, and the port began addressing the backlog of goods. This development has eased concerns among business leaders, who warned of potential losses in trade confidence due to the disruptions. The port’s operations are now stabilizing, with efforts focused on clearing delayed shipments efficiently.

The resumption of trade at Akhaura Land Port reflects the government’s engagement with stakeholders to resolve the standoff. While the situation has normalized, the incident highlights ongoing tensions within the NBR regarding proposed reforms, including the potential division of the agency into separate tax policy and collection bodies. For now, the focus remains on restoring smooth trade flows at one of Bangladesh’s critical land ports.

Published in SouthAsianDesk, June 30th, 2025

Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.