The government assured that it is committed to resolving repeated disruptions affecting boulder exports to Bangladesh through the Fulbari port in India. A few weeks ago, protests and strikes at Fulbari raised several demands, halting exports. Exporters have since asked the government to intervene.
Boulder exporters have faced frequent challenges at Fulbari, with local groups staging protests and making new demands. Just last month, trade was halted when protesters called for a ban on Bhutanese vehicles entering through Fulbari.
They also demanded that goods be transhipped onto Indian trucks before crossing into Bangladesh or that a daily cap of 50 Bhutanese trucks be enforced.
Currently, there are nearly 600 registered Bhutanese trucks carrying goods to Bangladesh via Fulbari, giving job opportunities to Indian drivers as well.
The Foreign Minister assured that the government is fully aware of the issue and is reviewing a report submitted by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment.
He said Bhutan’s good bilateral relations with India and the Free Trade Agreement provide a strong platform for resolving such matters, but also emphasised the importance of respecting local laws and regulations.
The Bhutan Exporters Association have recently put up a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office regarding the issue.
“It is not that we do not trust the letter put up by the Exporters Association of Bhutan, but if we need to officially follow up, then we need to study the situation. Therefore, we have decided to properly study the situation through the Royal Bhutanese Consulate in Kolkata,” said D.N. Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
He added that the study will also find out the affected parties other than the Bhutanese exporters and drivers, and come up with solutions accordingly.
“However, before the two governments get involved, we are also discussing and looking at the possibility of resolving the issue by the local authorities.”
Although Bhutanese vehicles have resumed operations following the recent strikes, some continue to face hurdles at the border.
Devika Pradhan & Kinley Dem
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
