Bangladesh will not encounter any problems due to cancellation of Indian inter-career facilities: Business consultant

Sheikh Bashir Uddin, a business adviser to the Bangladesh Interim Government, said on Thursday (10 April 2025) that his country will not have any problems as India and Dhaka cancelled inter-career facilities.

His remarks come the day after India announced on Wednesday the withdrawal of its freight facility granted to Bangladesh, which will export a variety of items except West Asia, Europe and other countries in Nepal and Bhutan.

“Just yesterday, there was a discussion with representatives from various departments; even the buyers were present. We will try to overcome the crisis through our arrangements,” the Bangla Language newspaper said Prothom alo.

He said Bangladesh is working to ensure that it lacks competitiveness through its capabilities.

“Business capabilities will be enhanced. At the same time, steps are being taken to ensure connectivity is also free of any flaws,” he said.

When asked what measures will be taken after this development, Bashir Uddin said: “There are some infrastructure-related issues, and there are issues related to cost increase – we are dealing with these issues. We hope to be able to overcome the challenges.” When asked if Bangladesh plans to send letters about cancellation to India, the business consultant said: “At the moment the issue of sending letters has not been considered.” He added: “As the United States has suspended additional tariffs for three months, this can be eased immediately and allows time for further discussion.”

Controversial Statement

India’s announcement comes in the context of a controversial statement recently issued by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in China, with seven northeastern states with a border of nearly 1,600 kilometers with Bangladesh being inland, with no way to reach the ocean.

In his speech at business events, he said Bangladesh was the “soon guardian” of the Indian Ocean in the region, and Mr Yunus also invited China to send goods around the world through Bangladesh.

In New Delhi, the reviews were in poor condition. This also caused a sharp reaction from political leaders of various parties in India.

Bangladesh has been using several Indian ports and airports to export to West Asia, Europe and many other countries.

India has exported Bangladesh to Nepal and Bhutan because landlocked countries must do this trade facilitation under the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

India-Bangladesh relations rose sharply after Mr Yunus failed to curb attacks on ethnic minorities, especially Hindus.