Teknaf Land Port Reopens After Nearly a Year, Concerns Persist Over Security and Trade Conditions

Bay Insight | Cox’s Bazar

After remaining largely inactive for nearly a year, operations at Teknaf Land Port have been officially resumed following an announcement by State Minister for Shipping, Mohammad Rajib Ahsan.
However, despite the government’s decision, stakeholders have expressed concerns over security, river routes, and the practical realities of cross-border trade.

During a visit to the port on Monday (April 6), the minister said the decision to resume operations was made in response to public demand and after discussions with all relevant parties. “We have decided to restart the port’s activities from today,” he said.

He added that security would be ensured through coordinated efforts by the port authority, customs, Coast Guard, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and other law enforcement agencies. Measures would also be taken to prevent the involvement of Rohingyas in port activities.

Despite the announcement, business representatives who attended the meeting said the situation on the ground is far from straightforward.

Abed Ahsan Sagar, a former director of the Cox’s Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told that security concerns were the main reason behind the prolonged suspension. “We felt that objections from security agencies, particularly BGB and the Coast Guard, played a key role. Their stance was largely negative,” he said.

According to him, the concerns include potential smuggling through the port, misuse of certain goods such as cement and rods, and broader risks linked to the border situation.

He also said discussions were held about installing security posts inside the port, a proposal opposed by business leaders due to the port’s existing legal framework.

A key proposal raised during the meeting was the installation of scanners to monitor goods. “The minister said scanners would be installed so that goods can be verified during loading and unloading. BGB can carry out inspections at gates or checkpoints if needed,” Sagar said.

However, despite the official reopening, trade activities have yet to resume.

Jasim Uddin, the port’s general manager, said the port was already operational in principle. “We are ready. Once goods start arriving, operations will begin. Only then will the real situation become clear,” he said.

Complicating matters further is the situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Since December 2024, the Arakan Army has taken control of large parts of the region and established influence over the Naf River, leading to allegations of extortion targeting cargo vessels.

Business leaders said simply reopening the port will not resolve these issues.

Sagar said vessels often need to pass through Myanmar waters, forcing traders to pay various groups. “If dredging is carried out, an alternative route could be created, reducing these risks,” he said, warning that without it, the port may become inactive again.

Traders also claimed that a significant amount of money remains stuck with Myanmar businessmen “Around $9 million is held in draft form. Once goods start moving, this can be adjusted,” Sagar said.

Abu Morshed Chowdhury Khoka, a former president of the Cox’s Bazar Chamber, welcomed the decision, saying it would benefit traders by allowing cheaper imports of essentials like onions, ginger, and garlic, while also boosting government revenue.

However, he noted that the responsibility of sending goods lies with traders on the Myanmar side. “We don’t deal with the Arakan Army, we deal with the businessmen across the border,” he said.

Meanwhile, the commanding officer of Teknaf 2 BGB Battalion Lt Col Hanifur Rahman said they remain within the scope of the minister’s directives. “Security issues have been discussed and necessary steps are being taken,” he said, adding that strengthening internal security structures is underway.

Cross-border trade between Bangladesh and Myanmar began in 1995, and Teknaf Land Port was officially inaugurated on November 5, 2003, on 27 acres of land.

However, import activities effectively came to a halt after April 13, 2025, when the last timber-laden trawler arrived.

Although the government’s announcement has reopened the door, the pace of normalization in trade will depend on border security, navigability of river routes, and the situation in Myanmar.