Anti-India Mohammad Yunus is in deep trouble after starting a trade war with India, Bangladeshi business leaders are now begging India to…

In a major blow to the industrial growth of Bangladesh and to anti-India leader Muhammad Yunus, head of interim government in Bangladesh, the central government of India has announced the withdrawal of the transshipment facility previously extended to Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) withdrew the facilities citing logistical challenges and congestion at Indian ports and airports. However, media reports have said that the reason behind the move could be the disturbed relations between India and Bangladesh.

Major setback for Bangladesh

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has recently said while he was addressing the weekly press briefing that “The Transshipment facility extended to Bangladesh had over a period of time resulted in significant congestion at our airports and ports. Logistical delays and higher costs were hindering our own exports and creating backlogs.”

“The facility, therefore, has been withdrawn with effect from April 8, 2025. To clarify, these measures do not impact Bangladesh exports to Nepal or Bhutan transiting through Indian territory,” the MEA spokesperson added.

Bangladesh delegation visits India

Notably, a 13-member delegation from Bangladesh visited India from July 9 to 12, 2024, to explore the possibilities of transhipment of Bangladeshi Exim cargo through Indian ports located on the East Coast. The delegation was led by S M Mostafa Kamal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Bangladesh, and included representatives from other key Bangladeshi ministries and ports.

Bangladesh business leader appeals to India

In a  shocking outcome from Bangladesh, an influential Bangladeshi business leader urged India to withdraw ban on transshipment.

“I will request the Indian government to withdraw this decision (cancelling the transshipment facilities for Bangladeshi goods) because we are neighbors. We are good partners. We import huge quantity of our fabrics, dyes, chemicals, machinery, yarns so we are big importer of India. India should acknowledge that. We have good relationship with them”, Faruque Hassan, Former President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), told ANI in an interview.

For those unversed, readymade garments is the backbone of Bangladesh economy and out of Bangladesh’s total exports, more than 83/84 per cent comes by exporting apparel which is readymade garments.

(With inputs from agencies)

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