Dhaka’s action leads India to close transshipment facilities in Bangladesh: MEA

MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal held a press conference in New Delhi on April 17, 2025. Image source: PTI

A few days after India stopped the transshipment facilities for goods in Bangladesh, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (17 April 2025) stated that the decision could be understood by looking at Bangladesh’s early actions.

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“We have taken this measure due to the congestion we see at our ports and airports. But I would also like to remind you that you should look at the developments that have happened on the Bangladesh side before we announce these measures.”

“Regression Steps”

Before India stopped transshipment facilities for Bangladesh goods, the Dhaka Interim Government had decided to close three land ports and suspend operations in another land port, citing a lack of necessary infrastructure for operations. Sources here said New Delhi sees these closures as “against the steps” taken by “unilaterally”.

Mr Jaiswal declined to comment on Bangladesh earlier this week to stop importing its Indian yarn, but an official source said India believes the decision is to “import more from Pakistan”.

Officials here noted that Bangladesh’s decision to establish an investigation, Research and Management Department (IRM) in January to inspect the actions of checking goods through the Benapole Land port is a “restrictive step, which will increase the delay in handling goods from India”.

Dhaka Slam WB Attack

Meanwhile, Shafiqul Alam, press secretary of Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammed Yunus, refuted reports of Bangladesh citizens participating in recent anti-Waker bill riots in West Bengal in West Bengal.

“We strongly refute any attempts involving public violence in Bangladesh in Murhidabad. We condemn the attacks on Muslims that have caused the loss of life and property. We urge the Indian and West Bengal governments to take all steps to fully protect the minority of Muslims.”