No official word yet on India’s land port import curbs: Commerce adviser

Commerce Adviser SK Bashir Uddin has said the government has not yet received any formal notification regarding India's newly imposed restrictions on the import of apparel, plastic products, and other items from Bangladesh through land ports.

"We have learned about the restrictions through media reports and social media," Bashir Uddin told reporters today at the Secretariat in Dhaka.

He, however, said that the government has begun assessing the potential impact of the move based on media reports. 

"We have initiated a preliminary review to determine the steps Bangladesh should consider," the commerce adviser said.

India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in a notification last night said Delhi has imposed new restrictions on the import of garments, agro-processed foods, and other goods from Bangladesh through land ports.

According to a notification, garments—the single largest Bangladeshi export to India—will only be allowed entry through two sea ports: Kolkata and Nhava Sheva near Mumbai. The rules take immediate effect.

When asked whether the decision would significantly affect Bangladesh's exports to India, Bashir Uddin said the country exports a relatively small volume of furniture to India.

But clothing items account for a sizable amount of the total export.

"Our products are exported mainly due to their competitive pricing. We hope this competitiveness will continue to benefit consumers and businesses in both countries," he said.

The latest restrictions follow Delhi's decision in April to suspend transhipment facilities for Bangladeshi cargo bound for third countries via Indian land borders, triggering concerns over tightening trade conditions.

However, the adviser said, "This is not a continuation of the transhipment issue. Indian traders will also feel the impact of this move. Given our geographical proximity, both countries remain interdependent," he added.

"It will take a day or two to fully understand the implications. After that, we will decide on the necessary course of action," he said.

Bashir Uddin also reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to trade liberalisation.

"We believe in trade liberalisation and working towards greater trade inclusion. It is our responsibility to safeguard the interests of both consumers and traders," he said.

"India enjoys a significant trade surplus with Bangladesh, and addressing this imbalance will not happen overnight. It will take time," he added.