Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has said that India`s newly imposed restrictions on importing several Bangladeshi goods through land ports could negatively impact Indian businesses.
The restrictions, announced on May 18, cover products like ready-made garments, processed foods, plastic goods, cotton waste, and furniture.
These items can now only be imported via Kolkata and Mumbai seaports, effectively barring entry through land customs stations in India`s northeastern states and certain West Bengal ports.
Speaking to the press in Dhaka, Sheikh Bashir emphasized that trade between the two neighboring countries is naturally interconnected due to geographical proximity.
He noted that India enjoys a large trade surplus with Bangladesh, and such restrictions could disrupt the mutual flow of goods.
The adviser said Bangladesh will engage in discussions with India to resolve the matter diplomatically, emphasizing that some land ports remain open and that both countries can reach a “reasonable” solution.
He added that Indian businesses may feel the impact of these restrictions and highlighted the importance of maintaining stable trade relations.
The move follows Bangladesh`s earlier restriction on Indian yarn imports and India’s withdrawal of the transshipment facility for Bangladeshi goods to third countries.
Despite the tensions, Sheikh Bashir described the trade as mutually beneficial and said Bangladesh will continue to focus on export diversification and competitiveness to strengthen its trade position.
