Normal trade operations have resumed at the Benapole land port after the customs authority withdrew its temporary restriction that limited import and export activities beyond 6 PM. The decision came following strong objections from traders and reports of commercial stagnation along the Bangladesh–India border. Last week’s unannounced directive by the Customs Commissioner had caused severe traffic congestion at the border, disrupting the flow of perishable goods and reducing the number of trucks entering the port from 400–450 to only 160–180 daily. Business leaders from both countries expressed relief at the withdrawal, saying the earlier decision had increased costs, delayed shipments, and strained cross-border trade relations. Benapole Port officials confirmed that operations are returning to normal, and coordination with customs and related agencies is ongoing to ensure smooth trade.

In Cumilla, over a hundred seasonal hide traders are facing losses as syndicates of wholesalers refuse to buy cowhides at government-fixed prices. Despite salting and storing the hides, traders are being offered prices far below cost. The lack of local monitoring has worsened the issue, raising fears of smuggling hides to India. Traders allege that certain syndicates may be involved in illegal cross-border trade. Authorities have increased border surveillance to prevent smuggling, but traders demand stronger action and direct access to tannery owners.

Rajshahi division has banned mango trading by the traditional munni weight unit, mandating all transactions be done by kilogram from June 6. The move aims to stop commission agents who pay farmers less by manipulating weights between 42 to 55 kg per munni, while paying only for 40 kg. Farmers, traders, and officials agreed that trading by kilogram will ensure fair pricing and prevent financial losses. The decision will be implemented across all districts and supported by possible legal enforcement.

The government has suspended the export of rawhides, including wet blue leather, for three months to ensure proper utilization in local factories during Eid-ul-Azha. As per a Bangladesh Bank circular, commercial banks are barred from accepting any LCs for rawhide exports. The move aims to boost value-added leather exports by processing hides domestically. The decision follows a May 21 meeting of a special committee formed to manage Eid-related leather issues. The ban takes effect from Eid day and will remain in place for three months.

Beximco Industrial Park has announced the closure of four more factories—Yarn Unit-2, Textile, Denim, and Knitting—due to insufficient work. With this, the total number of shut-down factories now stands at 20. The decision, effective from February 5, was made following a government-formed advisory committee meeting. Laid-off workers will receive wages as per labor laws but are not required to be physically present. Industrial police are ensuring security in Gazipur, while no workers have reported to the factories since the announcement.

India has reduced the export price of onions by $100 per ton, lowering it from $405 to $305, effective January 6, to boost exports. Previously, the high price of Indian onions significantly reduced demand in Bangladesh, causing substantial losses for importers. At $405 per ton, Indian onions were less competitive, especially as local supplies increased. The price cut aims to make Indian onions more affordable in the Bangladeshi market, reducing the cost of opening a letter of credit (LC) by about 4 lakh taka per truck. This adjustment seeks to revitalize demand, balance market dynamics, and ensure both consumer affordability and farmer profitability in light of the changing trade conditions.

Garment workers in Ashulia, near Savar, Dhaka, are continuing their protests over various demands. Factories that were not witnessing protests were attacked, prompting authorities to close them for safety reasons.