Assam Trade with Bangladesh Halted Amid Unrest and Alleged Atrocities Against Hindus

The Exporters & Importers Association of Assam’s Sribhumi district has announced an indefinite suspension of trade activities with Bangladesh via the Sutarkandi land port. The decision, made during a meeting on December 1, is a response to ongoing unrest in Bangladesh and reports of alleged atrocities against the Hindu minority.

Association leader Imdadul Haque Chowdhury explained the rationale behind the suspension, stating, “We have decided to suspend all trade with Bangladesh through the Sutarkandi land port due to the unrest in the country. All trade activities will be halted until the situation normalizes. While this decision will result in significant losses, it is necessary under the current circumstances.” The suspension affects the export of key commodities such as stone, rice, coal, and fresh fruits to Bangladesh.

Shivaji Chowdhury, another leader of the association, highlighted the gravity of the situation, citing the ongoing incidents of alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh as a major factor for the decision.

The unrest has sparked protests in Assam, with hundreds of people marching under the “Cholo Bangladesh” banner on December 1. Organized by the Hindu group Sanatani Eikya Manch, the demonstration aimed to condemn the arrest of ISKCON priests and protest the alleged persecution of Hindus. Protesters attempted to march toward the Indo-Bangladesh border in Sribhumi district but were stopped by security personnel before reaching the international boundary.

The trade suspension and border protests reflect rising tensions in the region as calls grow for international attention to the situation in Bangladesh.