All import-export activities between Bangladesh and Myanmar through the Teknaf Land Port in Cox’s Bazar have come to a complete halt, as the Arakan Army — a separatist armed group in Myanmar — is reportedly demanding unofficial levies on all goods being traded. The group has been obstructing cargo vessels on the Naf River, effectively paralyzing operations at the key border trade point.
According to sources, the disruption began after the Arakan Army seized control of large parts of Myanmar’s Rakhine State from the ruling junta. Since then, traders have faced repeated blockades, with goods being stopped mid-route and held unless the group’s demands are met.
Exporters in Bangladesh are facing heavy losses as large consignments of goods — including cement, potatoes, and other commodities worth millions of taka — remain stranded in warehouses at Teknaf port. At the same time, shipments from Myanmar are stuck on the other side of the border, unable to enter Bangladesh.
Ehetashamul Haque Bahadur, General Secretary of the Teknaf Land Port C&F Agents Association, said, “We are trading legally and paying taxes to the Myanmar government. There’s no justification for paying a second tax to an armed rebel group. How can that be acceptable?”
He added that Myanmar-based exporters are still willing to continue trading, but the repeated interference has left them with no choice but to stop shipments. Authorities at the local and district levels have been notified of the ongoing crisis.
Teknaf Land Port General Manager Jasim Uddin Chowdhury confirmed that trade operations have been suspended since April 12. “This deadlock is not only hurting businesses — the government is losing crores in revenue as well,” he said.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Ehssan Uddin noted that the issue has been communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “This is a diplomatic matter and needs to be resolved at the state level. We are monitoring the situation and keeping higher authorities informed.”
Trade officials and business leaders have warned that if the deadlock continues, it could inflict long-term damage on Bangladesh-Myanmar border trade. They are calling for urgent diplomatic intervention to reach a sustainable solution.
