Trade between Burma and Bangladesh has resumed in Teknaf. The Bangladesh border point that is a subdivision of Cox’s Bazar District was closed for five-months after sectarian violence in June broke out in Arakan State.
“Traders of both countries can freely travel back and forth after attaining a seven-day border” said one Bangladeshi businessman.
Officials from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been repeatedly urging for the border to be re-opened. But it was up to the Burma government to initiate the seven-day border pass system according to Lt. Col. Jahid Hossain, commanding officer of the Teknaf BGB Battalion- 42
Towhidul Anwar, a police sub-inspector and Bangladeshi immigration officer confirmed that 5 Burmese businessmen from Burma crossed the Teknaf land port. But at the time of press (Nov.24) no Bangladeshi traders have crossed the border to Maungdaw in Arakan State. However he’s hopeful that will change soon.
Bangladesh business men have lost a lot of business since trade was suspended after clashes between Buddhist and Muslims erupted in June and October.
The country relies on goods like timbers, fish, and spices from Burma. Burma imports cement, industrial tubing, aluminum utensils, and even human hair from their Bangladesh neighbor.
