Muhammad Yunus's Adviser Says Bangladesh Open To Talks With India Amid Export Curbs

News18

19-05-2025

Last Updated:
India's trade restrictions will impact $770 million, which amounts to nearly 42 per cent of total Bangladeshi imports.
An adviser from Muhammad Yunus' interim government responded to India's restrictions on Bangladeshi exports via land ports, stating that Bangladesh is committed to resolving all pending trade issues with New Delhi.
Sheikh Bashiruddin, the commerce adviser to Bangladesh's interim government, stated that no formal communication had been received from India regarding the trade restrictions.
'We do not know anything officially about India's steps yet. We will be able to take action after we know officially. If any problems arise, both sides will discuss and try to resolve them," he said.
India has imposed a ban on importing several items from Bangladesh via road routes, including readymade garments, fruit-based and carbonated beverages, baked goods, snacks, confectionery, cotton waste, plastic products, and wooden furniture.
This move follows Bangladesh's earlier decision to prohibit yarn imports from India by land. Additionally, India withdrew the trans-shipment facility that allowed Bangladeshi goods to be exported to third countries.
These reciprocal trade measures have emerged amid rising diplomatic tensions, which were fueled by last year's ousting of Sheikh Hasina and reports of persecution against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.
'We have learned from social media and news that they (India) have taken some decisions regarding land ports, especially Akhaura and Dawki ports, and some border areas. Our main goal is to achieve competitiveness. This is a profitable matter for both countries", he added.
'We think that India itself is a rich country in the textile or clothing industry. Even then, when these products are exported from our country, it is based on our capabilities. We are not affected by trans-shipping. We have solved this problem on our own using our capabilities", the Adviser said.
'Since we are a geographically connected country, our competitiveness, transportation costs and other factors are fixed. In this regard, we impose restrictions on the import of our agricultural products at different times; India also does. This is a process of trade management, and we are working on that. If a problem arises or develops there, both parties will discuss and try to resolve it," Bashiruddin said.
India's trade restrictions will impact $770 million, which amounts to nearly 42 per cent of total Bangladeshi imports.
After India's retaliatory action, Bangladesh would have to export its ready-made garments in India through Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports.
(With ANI Inputs)
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