Bangladesh-India trade to continue in consumers’ interest: Adviser

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin on Sunday said trade between Bangladesh and India will continue in the interest of consumers and businesses of both countries.

“We have not yet received any official communication from the Indian side. Once we do, we will take appropriate steps. If any issues arise, both sides will work to resolve them through discussions,” he said.

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin said this while briefing reporters at the Secretariat, referring to the report of Indian restrictions on the imports of Bangladeshi goods.

The adviser said, “We’ve learned from social media and media outlets that India has taken certain decisions affecting specific land ports, including Akhaura and Dawki, as well as some border areas.”

Asked if these developments might negatively impact Bangladesh’s exports, he said, “Not everything we export is affected. A large portion of our exports comes from the garment sector. Our focus remains on achieving competitiveness. The trade is beneficial to both countries. India also has a strong textile industry, yet they import our products based on our capabilities.”

Bashir Uddin expressed optimism that the trade would continue, saying, “This is in the interest of consumers and production sectors on both sides.”

On the matter of India’s reported restrictions on transshipment and exports, he said, “Transshipment has not had any significant impact on us. We have managed the situation using our own capacity.”

Regarding the potential impact on Indian businesses, the adviser said, “Certainly, there will be effects. Trade is a matter of competitiveness, including transport costs. Sometimes we impose bans on agricultural imports, and so does India. This is part of the regular trade management process. Any arising issues will be addressed through dialogue.”

When asked whether Dhaka plans to hold discussions with New Delhi, he responded, “We will take all necessary measures, but as of now, we have not received any official notification.”

Addressing whether bilateral ties have influenced these decisions, Bashir Uddin said, “My responsibility is trade, and I intend to remain focused on that... I strongly support open trade. For me, trade liberalisation and inclusion are essential to building the capacity of our businesses and consumers.”

On how Bangladesh plans to reduce its growing trade deficit with India, he said, “This is a long-term challenge. Trade deficits cannot be eliminated overnight. What we import from India is based on proximity and necessity, and they do the same. It’s largely shaped by natural factors. Our goal is to diversify and improve competitiveness to expand trade.”