After a suspension lasting over two and a half months, stone imports from Bhutan through the Banglabandha land port in Panchagarh have resumed. On Thursday, four stone-laden trucks from Bhutan entered Bangladesh as part of a trial resumption of trade, bringing relief to businesses linked with the port.

According to port sources and traders, imports of boulder stones from Bhutan had come to a halt due to internal issues between India and Bhutan, specifically a dispute over the slot booking system. In the midst of this disruption, imports from India were also suspended for two months from November to December last year. Bhutan had last exported stones via the Banglabandha port on January 2 this year before halting again due to the unresolved slot booking conflict with India.

Although India resumed stone exports in January, Bhutanese shipments remained suspended. The cause was protests by truck owners and workers at India’s Fulbari land port, demanding Bhutanese trucks be brought under the slot booking system—an app-based registration process involving fees. In response, Bhutan ceased exports, affecting operations across the port region.

Now, after Bhutan agreed to operate under India's slot booking system, it has resumed stone exports to Bangladesh. However, it remains unclear whether the trucks entering Bangladesh paid fees based on weight or per truck.

Abul Kalam Azad, Manager of Landport Limited at Banglabandha, confirmed that stone shipments from Bhutan resumed on Thursday following resolution of internal disputes. He expressed hope that, barring any further issues, regular imports will continue after the Eid holidays.

The prolonged suspension had left many workers at the port jobless. With the resumption of trade, customs agents, traders, and laborers are expressing a renewed sense of relief and optimism.