Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh has decided not to retaliate against India’s recent imposition of restrictions on the entry of Bangladeshi goods through land ports.
ommerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman confirmed the stance on Tuesday following a high-level meeting at the Secretariat involving ministry officials and business leaders.
India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notification last Saturday restricting the import of Bangladeshi garments, agro-processed foods, and other goods via land ports.
Under the new rules, garments-the top Bangladeshi export to India-may now only enter through two designated sea ports: Kolkata and Nhava Sheva near Mumbai. The restrictions took immediate effect.
Commerce Secretary Rahman emphasised Bangladesh’s commitment to dialogue over confrontation. “We will not take retaliatory steps,” he stated, adding that efforts are underway to ensure the situation does not escalate. He noted that stakeholders had shared their views and the matter would be discussed with policymakers and relevant advisers.
Rahman also warned that such unilateral measures hurt businesses in both countries and proposed that a secretary-level meeting between India and Bangladesh be held to seek resolution.
“We will point out that Indian businesses are also likely to suffer,” he said. Bangladesh has already sent a formal request for a meeting and is awaiting a response.
Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin previously echoed a similar sentiment, urging calm and advocating constructive engagement rather than reactive measures.
Several ministries and business organisations participated in the consultation meeting, including the Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Board of Revenue, Bangladesh Land Port Authority, FBCCI, BGMEA, and the India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
According to a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), India’s land port restrictions could impact an estimated $770 million worth of Bangladeshi exports.
Bangladesh continues to face a significant trade deficit with India. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, Bangladeshi exports to India were approximately $1.85 billion, while imports from India stood at around $11.07 billion, resulting in a trade imbalance exceeding $9 billion. India is Bangladesh’s second-largest source of imports after China.
While economic concerns remain high, the Bangladeshi government’s current strategy is focused on maintaining diplomatic channels and avoiding any escalation that could further harm bilateral trade relations.
