After Turkey, Azerbaijan, Modi govt plans to hit anti-India Bangladesh hard over…, Yunus runs to Pakistan for…

Bangladesh, which was once part of East Pakistan, finally breathed a sigh of relief when it became an independent nation. With India’s support, Bangladesh emerged in response to years of discrimination by the then-Pakistani regime. In the years that followed, Bangladesh steadily moved forward on the path of development, with its economy even growing faster than Pakistan’s at times. However, the current political shifts, including the fall of the Hasina government and some controversial decisions by the new Mohammad Yunus-led administration, have raised questions and concerns that Bangladesh may be drifting closer to Pakistan’s influence once again.

After India took action against Turkey and Azerbaijan, who had supported Pakistan during times of tension, Bangladesh too found itself at the receiving end of India’s firm stance. Following this, the government led by Mohammad Yunus in Bangladesh has shown signs of aligning more closely with Pakistan.

As per the news agency ANI report, India had banned the import of Ready Made Garments (RMG), Fruit/Fruit flavoured and carbonated drinks, baked goods, snacks, chips and confectionary, cotton and cotton yarn waste, plastic and PVC finished goods and wooden furniture from Bangladesh by road. Earlier, Bangladesh had banned the import of yarn from India by land route. India had also cancelled the trans-shipment facility for the export of goods from Bangladesh to third countries. Thus, reciprocal trade restrictions are being imposed between the two neighbouring countries.

Earlier on Saturday, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry imposed immediate land port restrictions on the import of several categories of goods from Bangladesh, following a directive issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the report mentioned. According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), India’s restrictions on imports from Bangladesh via land ports will impact goods worth USD 770 million, accounting for nearly 42 per cent of total bilateral imports. The move limits the entry of products such as ready-made garments and processed foods to specific seaports, an official press release by the Ministry stated and is widely viewed as a response to Bangladesh’s recent curbs on Indian yarn, rice, and other goods, along with its decision to impose a transit fee on Indian cargo, marking a shift from previously cooperative trade relations. Under the new directive, all kinds of ready-made garments from Bangladesh can now only be imported through Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports, with entry through land ports no longer permitted.

“The above restrictions at Para 1 shall also not apply to import of Fish, LPG, Edible Oil, and crushed stone to India from Bangladesh,” reads the statement published on the official website of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

The above restrictions at Para 1 shall also not apply to Bangladesh exports to Nepal/ Bhutan transiting through India,” reads the statement published on the official website of the from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

After India took a strong stand, Bangladesh seems to have realized its position. The current government, led by Mohammad Yunus, is now showing signs of getting closer to Pakistan. One example is that they are making it easier for Pakistani businessmen to get visas.

According to the news agency PTI, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan, said this step will help boost economic growth between the two countries and the whole region.

Khan said that they value stability and economic growth in the region, which has led them to ease the visa rules for Pakistan, especially for businessmen. He also mentioned that both countries have begun issuing visas to trade delegations.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Iqbal Hussain Khan spoke at a reception hosted by the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GTCCI) on Saturday.

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