Sylhet Bureau

Coal imports started in Sutarkandi Land Port and after a long time workers returned in the Port.

Border trade will be closed from Sunday (02 October) due to the closure of Puja. Coal imports will start in full swing after the puja, said the concerned. Coal import from India has started after about 16 months through Sylhet's Sutarkandi land port. In the last two days, 26 vehicles have entered the country with coal. Of these, 11 cars entered the country on Friday and 15 cars on Saturday with coal.

According to the sources, coal imported from Meghalaya in India was supplied across the country. In May 2021, due to a case in Meghalaya, India, coal import through Sutarkandi land port was stopped. Importers have started importing coal from Assam after stopping the import of coal for a long time.

Traders said that coal was supplied to the entire country through Sutarkandi land port. Traders were severely affected due to stoppage of imports. They have to import coal from Indonesia and South Africa at a higher price due to the lack of coal supply. Coal from Meghalaya could be purchased at $95 per metric ton. Meghalaya has had to import coal at $140 to $145 per metric ton from Indonesia and $150 to $155 per metric ton from South Africa.

Now importing coal from Assam costs $115 per metric ton. Still, traders and workers in Sylhet are somewhat relieved as coal imports from Assam have started.

President of Sylhet Coal Importers Group Chandan Saha said that since coal import has started through Sutarkandi land port, the businessmen are able to return to business after a long time.

Many traders were in debt due to stoppage of imports. Now they can do some business. He thanked the High Commissioner of Bangladesh in India, He mentioned that employment opportunities will be created for many people.