Bangladesh adapts to India’s visa, trade restrictions
- Reza Mahmud :
Neighbouring India has imposed several restrictions, including export bans on certain products and visa limitations for Bangladeshi citizens, following the political transition in Bangladesh on 5 August last year.
The Awami League-led Hasina government maintained close ties with India, and its sudden downfall came as a shock to the neighbouring country. In response, India has taken several measures that appear to be driven by discontent over the regime change.
Tensions between the two nations have escalated, with heated exchanges of verbal statements. The Indian government has restricted the export of onions and potatoes, causing a shortage in Bangladeshi markets.
In response, Bangladesh is actively exploring alternative sources for importing these essential goods.
The interim government has initiated measures to ensure an uninterrupted supply, aiming to reduce the country’s dependency on India.
The Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) has identified potential alternative suppliers and recently reported its findings to the Ministry of Commerce. The ministry subsequently held meetings with importers, the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), and other relevant stakeholders to discuss viable options.
Selim Uddin, Secretary to the Ministry of Commerce, stated, “The BTTC has identified alternative sources to stabilise the price and supply of potatoes and onions. Importers have been advised to explore these options.”
Bangladesh has long been dependent on India for importing potatoes and onions. However, the BTTC’s report suggests Germany, Egypt, China, and Spain as potential alternatives for potato imports, while China, Pakistan, and Turkey have been recommended for onion imports.
Experts believe that India’s restrictions, while initially disruptive, could ultimately benefit Bangladesh by reducing its dependency on a single supplier. The move has opened up opportunities to diversify trade relationships, potentially increasing the export of Bangladeshi products to new markets.
Speaking to The New Nation, Professor Mahbub Ullah commented, “India’s restrictions have become a blessing in disguise, opening many alternative doors for our businesses to import and export commodities.” He urged both the interim government and political parties to leverage these opportunities to strengthen Bangladesh’s economic resilience.
Former Commerce Minister and BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury echoed this sentiment, stating, “India’s restrictions are, in fact, helping Bangladesh move away from sole dependency. Bangladesh must continue to explore alternative sources for trade, tourism, and other sectors.”
In addition to trade restrictions, India has imposed visa limitations on Bangladeshi citizens, including those seeking medical treatment. Previously, a significant number of Bangladeshi patients travelled to India for medical care, but they are now being forced to seek alternatives.
Many Bangladeshi tourists who used to visit India’s popular destinations are also facing difficulties due to the visa restrictions. Business travellers who frequently visited India for trade purposes, particularly for importing goods like rice and onions, have also been affected.
Experts suggest that India’s visa restrictions, while inconvenient, present an opportunity for Bangladesh to develop alternative travel and trade relationships. A growing number of Bangladeshi tourists are now opting for domestic destinations, boosting the local tourism industry.
As a result of the restrictions, domestic tourism has surged, with many Bangladeshis exploring local attractions instead. Since the onset of winter, tourist spots such as Rangamati have seen an increase in visitors. However, Cox’s Bazar has experienced a relative decline in tourists due to restrictions on travelling to St. Martin’s Island, according to tour operators.
When contacted, Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) President Md. Rafeuzzaman told The New Nation, “Our country has immense potential in the tourism sector due to its natural beauty and warm hospitality, which attract both domestic and international visitors.”
However, he also pointed out several challenges hindering the growth of the sector. “Some tourist destinations suffer from poor connectivity, inadequate accommodation facilities, and limited shopping options,” he said. He urged the authorities to address these issues to strengthen the tourism sector and contribute to national economic growth.
Md. Mazharul Islam, Deputy Director (Research and Planning) at the Bangladesh Tourism Board, added, “We have formulated plans to establish world-class tourism parks in key destinations such as Tanguar Haor, Nijhum Dwip, Shoronkhola in the Sundarbans, and Shompur Mahabihar.”
He noted that while these projects have been approved under the Annual Development Programme (ADP), they are still awaiting clearance from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
India’s visa restrictions have also compelled Bangladeshi patients to seek medical treatment in alternative destinations.
Malaysia and Thailand have emerged as the most popular options for Bangladeshi patients. Malaysia offers affordable healthcare services, while Thailand has introduced e-visas to attract more medical tourists from Bangladesh.
Despite the challenges posed by India’s restrictions, Bangladesh is gradually adapting by diversifying its trade, tourism, and healthcare options. Experts believe that these developments will ultimately strengthen Bangladesh’s economic independence and global engagement.