Stone import from India and Bhutan resumed through Burimari land port on Monday after a 23-day suspension due to pricing complexities. 

Bangladeshi importers halted stone imports through the port from February 1 this year, citing difficulties in determining stone prices.  

A meeting among importers and exporters from Bangladesh, India and Bhutan on Sunday afternoon led to the decision to restart stone import-export activities.  

Farooq Hossain, president of the C&F Agents Association at Burimari land port, told The Daily Star that a 12-member committee comprising businessmen from the three countries has been formed to monitor market prices and submit a report. 

Based on this report, stone prices will be re-evaluated, with the committee expected to present its findings within a month.

Until then, stones will be imported at the previous rates, he added.  

Importers at the port said they currently purchase stones from India and Bhutan at $12-16 per tonne, which is $1-2 higher than before. 

This increase has impacted profitability, and if prices are not revised after a month, businesses may again halt stone imports.  

Mehedi Hasan, assistant director of the Bangladesh Land Ports Authority at Burimari land port, said an average of 10,000 tonnes of stones are imported daily from India and Bhutan through the port.  

After the 23-day suspension, 230 trucks loaded with stones entered Burimari land port as of 1 pm today, he said.