Trade ties stable despite IPL fallout
Staff Reporter :
Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin said on Sunday that the diplomatic controversy surrounding the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) decision to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has had no impact on trade relations between Bangladesh and India.
He stressed that bilateral trade and overall business activities between the two neighbouring countries are continuing smoothly and without disruption.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting on the draft Import Policy Order (IPO) at the Secretariat, Bashir Uddin said Bangladesh maintains a liberal and non-discriminatory trade policy.
“Bangladesh maintains a liberal trade regime with all countries. As long as our internal trade is not disrupted, we do not take country-specific bilateral decisions.
The government believes in overall trade liberalisation,” he said.
He emphasised that developments relating to sports or other day-to-day events do not influence Bangladesh’s trade policy or economic decision-making.
Trade policies, he said, are shaped by economic realities, domestic demand and long-term national interests, rather than temporary controversies.
His remarks followed Kolkata Knight Riders’ announcement on 3 January that Mustafizur Rahman had been released ahead of the upcoming IPL season scheduled for March to May.
The decision prompted the Bangladesh Cricket Board to request the ICC to shift Bangladesh’s matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup away from India, sparking public debate and diplomatic discussion over possible implications for bilateral ties.
Clarifying the recent suspension of jute exports to India, the commerce secretary said the move was taken solely to ensure adequate domestic supply.
“The step was not intended to harm any country. Our trade policies are guided by internal considerations and the need to protect local industries and farmers,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bashir Uddin said the commerce ministry has drafted a new Import Policy Order for 2025–2028, introducing significant changes compared with the current 2021–2024 policy
. The proposed IPO places strong emphasis on trade facilitation, liberalisation and simplifying import procedures.
The draft will be placed before the next meeting of the Advisory Council for approval, he added.
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman said the policy is undergoing comprehensive review to make trade easier, faster and more efficient, in alignment with Bangladesh’s commitments under the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.
On another issue, the commerce adviser said a meeting to review commodity prices ahead of Ramadan has been scheduled for 19 January.
All relevant stakeholders will participate, with the aim of assessing the overall market situation and ensuring price stability during the holy month.