Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin reassured the public on Thursday that Bangladesh’s trade will not face major disruptions despite India’s recent cancellation of transshipment facilities.
His comments come after four Bangladeshi trucks, carrying ready-made garments bound for Nepal, were sent back from the Petrapole port following the Indian government’s decision to rescind transshipment services on Wednesday.
Addressing the issue in a press briefing, Sheikh Bashir Uddin said, “We spoke with traders and buyers on Wednesday, and we are confident that we can manage the situation through our own resources.”
He reassured the public that Bangladesh is working to boost its commercial capacity and ensure smooth connectivity, despite the setback.
The Indian government’s move, announced through a notification from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), effectively halted the transit of Bangladeshi export cargo through Indian land ports to third countries.
While this has created challenges for exporters, the Commerce Adviser emphasised that Bangladesh would manage the situation internally, focusing on enhancing infrastructure and addressing cost-related issues.
Export trucks turned away
The immediate impact of the cancellation was evident at the Petrapole port, where four trucks loaded with ready-made garments were returned to Dhaka after being denied entry into India. The trucks, operated by DSV Air & C Ltd., were en route to Nepal, a key destination for Bangladeshi exports.
Local manager Basir Ahmed confirmed that the goods were being sent to Nepal, but the cancellation of the transshipment facility halted their progress.
Kartik Chakraborty, general secretary of the Petrapole Clearing and Forwarding Agents Staff Welfare Association, confirmed that the suspension of transshipment services followed a directive from India’s Finance Ministry, effectively ending the transit of goods from Benapole to Petrapole.
Concerns over bilateral trade
Stakeholders in Bangladesh’s trade sector have expressed concerns about the longer-term effects of the decision.
Aminul Haque, vice president of the Benapole Import-Export Association, warned, “Such a decision will create tension in the trade and friendship between the two countries.”
Kamal Uddin Shimul, vice president of the C&F Agents Association, also expressed concern over the economic impact, stating, "The return of these trucks will cause major setbacks for Bangladesh's export trade."
Despite these concerns, the export of goods directly to India remains unaffected, as clarified by Sajib Nazir, deputy director of Benapole Land Port (Traffic).
Other trade developments: US tariff suspension
In related news, Adviser Bashir Uddin also commented on the temporary suspension of additional tariffs by the United States, which will last for three months. He welcomed the move, stating,
“This suspension gives us immediate protection and more time to address concerns with the US.”
