Imports and exports through Teknaf Land Port in Cox’s Bazar have been suspended for 45 days due to the Arakan Army, a separatist group in Myanmar, demanding taxes on goods.
The group has been obstructing shipments since taking control of Rakhine State from the Myanmar junta, previously blocking cargo ships on the Naf River en route to the port.
The disruption has severely impacted trade, leaving goods worth crores of taka stranded in Teknaf’s warehouses for export to Myanmar, with similar delays affecting Myanmar’s imports.
Ehtashamul Haque Bahadur, General Secretary of the C&F Agent Association at Teknaf Land Port, said, “We legally pay taxes to the Myanmar government for imports and exports. The Arakan Army’s additional tax demands are unacceptable.”
He added that Myanmar traders are eager to resume trade, and local authorities, including the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) and Deputy Commissioner, have been informed.
Teknaf Land Port General Manager Jasim Uddin Chowdhury noted that trade has been halted since April 12, 2025, causing significant losses for traders and billions in government revenue. Goods like cement and potatoes remain stuck in port warehouses.
Teknaf UNO Sheikh Ehesan Uddin confirmed that the issue has been escalated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a state-level resolution.
“We are communicating the port’s challenges and will act based on the government’s decision,” he said.
