The government is incurring a revenue loss of Tk 15 to Tk 20 lakh daily following the suspension of border trade, sources said.

A joint body of importers, exporters, C&F agents and truck owners called the strike alleging that the members of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) and police, in the name of checking documents and contraband goods, harass them at border points and roads.

The striking businessmen allege that BDR forces intercept trucks on Teknaf-Cox's Bazar Road for 'extortion' while transporting goods to and from Teknaf.

Despite repeated attempts, the battalion commander of BDR in Teknaf could not be reached for comments on the allegation.

The Importers-Exporters, C&F Agents and Truck Owners Oikya Parishad leaders in a demonstration at Teknaf yesterday gave a seven-day ultimatum to the administration to stop extortion and harassment.

They threatened to go for a 'fast unto death' programme in front of the Prime Minister's Office in Dhaka and put barricade on the Cox's Bazar-Teknaf road for indefinite period if their demand is not met in seven days.

All commercial activities in Teknaf came to a halt following the strike.

"The government is incurring huge revenue loss every day due to the strike resulting in suspension of border trade," a leader of the Parishad said. The government earned Tk 6 crore last month from border trades through Teknaf.

Earlier, the Parishad on Sunday threatened to go for a strike if their demands were not met within 24 hours. An importer said they were compelled to call the strike, as the administration did not pay heed to their demands.

Traders alleged the law enforcers intercept their trucks demanding toll at several points on Taknaf-Cox's Bazar road including Damdamia, Marichya, Leda, Hwaikong and Balukhali points. While checking documents the border forces often ignore valid documents like 'bill of entry', the businessmen said

Goods like food grain, shoe, sandal, onion, spices, umbrella and fish are imported from Myanmar through Teknaf Border. Export from Bangladesh is however very meager.

When contacted, the VAT and Excise Commissioner of Customs ATM Sarwar Hossain yesterday said they did not receive any formal complaints. "However, I heard of the suspension of border trade in Teknaf and asked my deputy commissioner in Cox's Bazar to submit a report on this issue soon," he said.