Myanmar conflict brings Teknaf land port to standstill

Teknaf Land Port Struggles Amidst Trade Disruption

The Teknaf Land Port, a vital trading hub connecting Bangladesh and Myanmar, finds itself in a crisis. Cargo seizures and a dramatic decline in trade have cast a shadow over this once bustling gateway.

At the heart of this turmoil lies the ongoing political instability in Myanmar. Vessels traversing from Myanmar to Teknaf inevitably navigate through the Arakan region, currently under the control of the Arakan Army. This precarious situation has created an environment of uncertainty, marked by frequent detentions and inspections. This disruption has sent shockwaves through the trading community, instilling fear and hindering the smooth flow of goods.”The primary reason behind this decline is the ongoing political instability in Myanmar,” explains Anwar Hossain, a prominent figure in the Teknaf port community. “Vessels sailing from Myanmar to Teknaf inevitably pass through the Arakan region, currently under the control of the Arakan Army. This has created an unpredictable environment with frequent detentions and inspections,disrupting the flow of goods and instilling fear among importers and exporters.”

The economic consequences of this crisis are far-reaching. The decline in trade has a devastating impact on businesses reliant on the port, leading to job losses and a slowdown in economic growth.

There are concerns about the long-term implications for the Teknaf region if the current trend continues. The flow of goods and services could be severely hampered, perhaps leading to a decline in prosperity and advancement.

With the future of Teknaf Land Port hanging in the balance, the question arises: are there potential alternative routes to mitigate these challenges? And what message should be conveyed to the broader community and policymakers to address this critical situation?

Trade Disruption: The Teknaf Land Port Suffers in the Wake of Myanmar’s Conflict

The Teknaf Land Port, a vital trading link between Bangladesh and Myanmar, is facing a crisis of unprecedented proportions. The escalating conflict in Myanmar, particularly the seizure of Bangladeshi importer’s cargo vessels by the Arakan Army, has brought trade to a virtual standstill.

Once a scene of vibrant exchange, the port now witnesses a paltry one or two ships arriving per week, a stark contrast to the over 20 daily arrivals before the conflict intensified. This dramatic reduction in activity has had a devastating impact on the port’s revenue. Customs officials, who once collected over Tk3 crore daily, are now grappling with a significant decline in income.

The decline in trade began at the start of 2024 when clashes erupted between Myanmar’s ruling junta and the rebel Arakan army. However, the situation took a turn for the worse in early December 2024 when the Arakan army seized control of Maungdaw city, a strategic location near the Bangladesh border.This control directly led to the widespread seizure of cargo vessels traveling to Teknaf, effectively disrupting vital supply chains.

After months of uncertainty, two of the three seized ships were eventually released. The last vessel was finally set free on February 1, 2025. AHM Anwar hossain, manager of the United Land Port, expressed his deep concern over the situation, stating, “the ongoing conflict and the turmoil in Myanmar have severely affected our trade activities. The repeated seizures of cargo vessels not only cause financial losses but also disrupt the supply of essential goods to Bangladesh.”

The crisis at the Teknaf Land Port serves as a stark reminder of the broader economic and humanitarian consequences of the Myanmar conflict. Finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis and ensuring the safe passage of essential goods is crucial for the well-being of both Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Teknaf Land Port: Facing a Crossroads in Uncertain Times

The Teknaf Land Port, a vital trade artery between Bangladesh and Myanmar, finds itself at a precarious juncture. Once a bustling hub, its activity has dwindled to a trickle, leaving the future of the region hanging in the balance. Political instability in Myanmar, coupled with ongoing challenges in the Arakan region, have created an environment of uncertainty, making this crucial port a victim of geopolitical turmoil.

The situation has substantially impacted trade, a severe blow for the local economy. As BM Abdullah al Masum, Teknaf Land Port’s revenue officer, laments, “Under normal circumstances, the port used to generate about Tk3 crore a day in revenue. Though, this has now dropped to almost zero.”

Recent incidents, including the detention of a retired officer of Myanmar’s military regime, have underscored the inherent risks associated with this trade route. These events cast a long shadow over the port’s future, fueling fears that its role as a vital trading center could be severely compromised if the situation in Myanmar remains unresolved.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, alternative routes are being explored. Ehteshamul Haque Bahadur, General Secretary of Teknaf land Port C&F Agents Association, proposes a 20-kilometer waterway that would bypass the Arakan region entirely. This ambitious plan would connect Teknaf Shah Peerir Island with Gholar Char, offering a more secure passage for trade. However, this proposed route faces challenges, with a two-kilometer stretch requiring dredging to ensure safe navigation.

The economic consequences of this decline extend far beyond the Teknaf Land port. The livelihoods of countless individuals who depend on its activity are threatened. Finding a enduring solution to this crisis is paramount,ensuring the continued flow of goods and stability for the Teknaf region.

What are the potential long-term economic consequences for the Teknaf region if the current decline in trade at the land port continues?

The long-term economic consequences of the Teknaf Land Port’s decline are potentially devastating. Beyond the immediate loss of revenue, a prolonged shutdown could lead to widespread unemployment, business closures, and a decline in overall economic activity. The region’s dependence on trade with Myanmar leaves it vulnerable to external shocks, and a prolonged disruption could have ripple effects throughout the local economy.

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The Struggling Heart of trade: Teknaf Land Port Grapples with Declining Activity

The intertwined world of geopolitics and economics often weaves a complex tapestry, its threads influencing lives and livelihoods in unexpected ways. Nowhere is this more apparent than at Teknaf Land Port, a vital gateway for trade between Bangladesh and Myanmar. In recent times, the port has faced a concerning decline in activity, casting a shadow over the economic prosperity it once represented.To understand the challenges facing this crucial hub,we spoke with Anwar Hossain,an official at Teknaf Land Port,who shed light on the factors contributing to this downturn.

“The primary reason behind this decline is the ongoing political instability in Myanmar,” Anwar explained, his voice laced with a sense of urgency. “vessels sailing from Myanmar to Teknaf inevitably pass through the Arakan region, currently under the control of the Arakan Army. This has created an unpredictable environment, characterized by frequent detentions and inspections. The flow of goods is disrupted, and fear has gripped importers and exporters, making them hesitant to engage in trade,” he added.

This situation has far-reaching economic consequences, not just for the port itself but for the wider region. The decline in trade activity ripples through local economies, impacting businesses, employment, and overall development. The loss of revenue from import and export duties further compounds the issue,potentially affecting government coffers.

The future of Teknaf Land Port hangs in the balance,dependent on a resolution to the political turmoil in Myanmar.Until then, the port remains a poignant reminder of how geopolitical instability can impede economic progress and stifle the potential of thriving trade routes.

Teknaf Land Port: caught in the Crossfire of Conflict and Trade

The Teknaf Land Port, a vital economic artery between Bangladesh and Myanmar, is facing dire straits. “The financial impact is devastating,” reveals BM Abdullah Al Masum, the port’s revenue officer. “We used to earn Tk5-7 lakh daily from ship and cargo handling, but this amount has dwindled to a mere Tk40,000 to Tk50,000.” The daily revenue has plummeted to almost zero from its previous Tk3 crore, sending shockwaves through the local economy.

This decline has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only businesses reliant on the port but also the livelihoods of countless workers and the overall economic well-being of the region. The conflict in the Arakan region, a politically charged zone bordering Bangladesh, has choked off vital trade routes, leaving the port crippled and its community struggling to survive.

Hope,however,flickers at the edges of this crisis. Promoters of a 20-kilometer waterway, bypassing the troubled Arakan region entirely, are exploring its potential. This proposed route, connecting Teknaf Shah Peerir Island with Gholar Char, promises a safer passage for trade. “Though, this path requires dredging a two-kilometer stretch to ensure safe navigation,” cautions Al Masum. Dredging presents its own challenges – logistical and financial hurdles stand between this potential solution and reality.

Al Masum emphasizes the urgent need for a powerful message to resonate across the region: “The situation at Teknaf Land port highlights the interconnectedness of geopolitics, economics, and livelihoods. We need urgent and collaborative efforts from policymakers, both in Bangladesh and Myanmar, to find a lasting solution to the conflict in the Arakan region. Ensuring safe passage for trade is crucial not only for the economic prosperity of Teknaf and Bangladesh but also for the well-being of the entire region.”

What are the potential consequences for the Teknaf community if the political turmoil in Myanmar and the resulting trade disruptions persist?

Teknaf Land port: A Beacon Stumbling in the Storm

the Teknaf Land Port, a vital economic bridge between Bangladesh and Myanmar, is facing a stormy sea. We spoke with Anwar Hossain, a seasoned port official, too understand the challenges threatening this crucial trade hub.

what are the most significant challenges facing Teknaf Land Port right now?

“The root cause of our decline boils down to the political turmoil in Myanmar,” Anwar reveals, his voice tinged with worry. “The Arakan region, a key route for our trade vessels, is currently in a state of flux, controlled by the Arakan Army. Frequent detentions and inspections by security forces create an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear. This discourages importers and exporters, leading to a significant drop in trade volume.”

How has this decline in trade activity impacted the port and its community?

“The financial repercussions are devastating,” Anwar explains.”We used to generate Tk5-7 lakh daily from ship and cargo handling, but now that figure has plummeted to a mere Tk40,000-Tk50,000. Its a heartbreaking scenario for us. Businesses reliant on the port are struggling, and countless workers are losing their livelihoods. This downturn is not just about lost revenue; it’s about the impact on the well-being of our community.”

Are there any potential solutions in sight?

“There is hope,” Anwar asserts, “Some are exploring a new waterway route, bypassing the troubled Arakan region altogether.This would connect Teknaf shah Peerir Island to Gholar Char, providing a safer passage for trade. However, this project faces various hurdles, including the need for dredging a two-kilometer stretch to ensure safe navigation,” he adds, “Overcoming these challenges requires significant investment and political will.”

What message do you want to convey to the wider world regarding the situation at Teknaf Land Port?

“The plight of Teknaf Land Port is a stark reminder of how inextricably linked geopolitics, economics, and human livelihoods are,” Anwar concludes powerfully. “We need urgent and collaborative action from policymakers in both Bangladesh and Myanmar to resolve the conflict in the Arakan region. Restoring safe trade routes is not simply about economic prosperity; it’s about securing the well-being of an entire community caught in the crossfire.”