The consignments of 400 tonnes of potatoes imported from India through Benapole Land Port are set to be released tomorrow.

Earlier, the potatoes arrived in two shipments on Saturday evening as the Bangladesh government had given permission for the import in a bid to stabilise the market.

Director of the Benapole Land Port Rezaul Karim confirmed this, saying the potatoes were carried by 16 Indian trucks.

Integrated Food and Beverages is the importer of potatoes while the exporting company is PepsiCo India Holdings Pvt Ltd.

The government of Bangladesh already permitted the imports of rice, pulses, wheat, eggs, onions and green chillies to keep the supply chain normal. 

Official sources said Transmarine Logistics Limited C&F Agent filed the necessary documents to assess and deliver the potato consignments from the port.

“On Thursday, 400 tonnes of potatoes in 16 Indian trucks reached. The import cost of the potatoes per tonne is US$ 194,” said Transmarine Logistics Limited C&F Agent Manager Masum Billah.

He said the consignments of potatoes will be delivered on Monday.

Deputy Assistant Officer of Benapole Port Plant Pest Control Centre Hemanto Kumar Sarkar said release of the potatoes will be allowed after a quality test upon submission of necessary documents by the importer.

Benapole Land Port Director Rezaul Karim said the potatoes are still at the port and the field officials have been instructed to clear delivery of the potatoes as quickly as possible.

Deputy Commissioner of Benapole Customs House Rabindra Singh said, “Friday and Saturday are off due to the weekend while this Sunday is a public holiday. However, the potato shipments will be released on Monday.”