Dhaka, May 19: In a significant move, the Indian government has imposed a restriction on the import of several Bangladeshi products through land ports. The ban affects a wide range of goods including ready-made garments, fruits, carbonated fruit drinks, processed snacks (like chips and cakes), cotton, yarn, plastic items, and wooden furniture. From now on, these products can only be shipped to India via sea routes through the Mumbai and Kolkata ports.
The announcement, made by India’s Ministry of Commerce on Saturday, has sparked concerns in Dhaka. Sheikh Bashiruddin, Trade Advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, stated on Sunday, “We haven’t received any official communication from India yet. Once we have the details, we will consider necessary steps.” He added, “If there’s any problem, we will engage in bilateral discussions to resolve it.”
India Bans Import of Key Bangladeshi Products via Land Ports, Yunus Govt Seeks Dialogue
Impact on Bangladesh’s Export Economy
According to data from the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), India annually imports over ₹6,500 crore worth of these restricted goods from Bangladesh. The sudden shift to sea routes is expected to reduce the volume of exports, potentially resulting in financial losses for Bangladeshi businesses that heavily depend on land route logistics.
However, not all trade has been restricted. India has allowed the continued land-based import of fish, LPG, edible oils, and limestone. Also, goods that pass through India en route to Nepal and Bhutan from Bangladesh remain unaffected.
Backdrop of Diplomatic Tensions
This trade restriction comes amid strained India-Bangladesh relations following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, after mass protests. She later left for India, and the country is currently governed by an interim administration under Muhammad Yunus.
Since the regime change, there have been multiple reports of increased violence against minorities in Bangladesh, a matter New Delhi has officially expressed concern about. Yunus’s recent visit to China and controversial comments about India’s northeastern states have further strained ties. Prior to India’s move, Bangladesh had also banned yarn imports from India via land, escalating the trade row.
What’s Next?
Bangladesh’s interim government appears to be looking for a diplomatic path forward. “If there are issues, both sides must sit together and resolve them,” Bashiruddin said, signaling a willingness to restore trade stability through dialogue.
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