All Land Port Immigration Suspended 24 Hours

In a precautionary move ahead of the national parliamentary elections and accompanying referendum, the Government of Bangladesh has decided to temporarily suspend all immigration operations at the country’s land ports for 24 hours. The directive was issued on Tuesday, 10 February, via a letter signed by Arifur Rahman, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

According to the official communication, the suspension will take effect from 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, 12 February, until 6:00 a.m. on Friday, 13 February. During this period, all inbound and outbound movement through land borders will be halted, affecting both passenger and freight operations. All concerned departments and authorities have been instructed to make necessary arrangements to manage the temporary closure.

The government clarified that the measure aims to ensure public safety and law enforcement during the electoral process. Officials emphasised that such temporary restrictions are essential to maintain order, prevent potential security risks, and facilitate smooth election proceedings at key transit points across the country.

Bangladesh operates several major land ports, which serve as vital corridors for cross-border trade and passenger movement. These ports handle hundreds of thousands of travellers and significant freight traffic annually, making timely coordination critical during any temporary closure. The authorities have assured that all stakeholders, including transport operators and border officials, have been notified in advance to minimise disruption and maintain preparedness.

The key land ports affected by the suspension include:

The Ministry of Home Affairs has urged the public to plan their travel accordingly, highlighting that all other border-related services, including visa processing and customs operations, will remain suspended during the 24-hour window.

Officials stated that such temporary closures are standard practice during elections to enhance security at international borders and prevent any untoward incidents. The government expects that the short-term disruption will be offset by a well-coordinated effort by law enforcement, customs, and border authorities, ensuring a safe and orderly electoral process.

With heightened security measures in place, the authorities hope to maintain stability and public confidence during this crucial democratic exercise, while minimising inconvenience to citizens and traders reliant on cross-border movement.