BHADRAPUR, August 5

Eleven Nepali containers loaded with molasses for exports to Bangladesh have been stuck along the eastern transit point in Kakarvitta of Jhapa district, following a political unrest in Bangladesh.

Protests that began in Bangladesh last month over a 'controversial' quota system for governmental jobs have escalated into nationwide unrest, causing the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee the country, reported international media.

According to Al Jazeera, the Qatar-based media network, the longtime leader of Bangladesh boarded a military helicopter after crowds ignored a national curfew to storm the prime minister’s palace in Dhaka.

The direct impact was seen on Nepal-Bangladesh trade Monday. 

The trade, which had come to a total halt in mid-July, had resumed a few days ago. But, the border has been closed again for the next three days.

According to the Kakarvitta Branch Office of the Nepal Transit and Warehousing Management Company Limited, some containers have remained stuck in the Phulbari-Banglabandha transitional transit point of Nepal, India, and Bhutan. 

Similarly, containers en route to Nepal from Bangladesh have remained stranded at the transit point.

Subash Pandey, chief at the office, said the supplies were disrupted with the unrest becoming intense. 

"We have no idea how long it will take to return to normalcy,” said Pandey.

 Nepal exported goods worth over Rs 13.5 million to Bangladesh while the value of imports exceeded Rs 206.5 million in the first 11 days of the current fiscal year, 2024/25, which began on July 16, the office data show.

According to the Mechi Customs Office, Kakarvitta, Nepal exports pulse, herbal products, molasses, foodstuff, animal feed, Khayar (Black Catechu), and coloring agents to Bangladesh, while importing jute, soybean husk, allopathic medicines, lead-acid batteries, garments, fruit juice, glass sheets, biscuits, and chocolates from the country. 

Most of the Nepali students pursuing higher educational degrees at several universities in Bangladesh have returned home last month following the unrest.  (With inputs from RSS)