BD becoming self-reliant in air shipment of its exports

A surprise Indian restriction on aerial transhipment taboo on Bangladesh exports turns a blessing in disguise with the latter poised to become self-reliant in air shipment, officials say.

Airfreight facilities are taking a facelift at all the country's international

airports in rerouting trade from Indian routes-and already a significantly growing volume of exports are being shipped by air from here to main western destinations.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain Tuesday said the suspension of transhipment facilities for Bangladesh by the Indian government apparently proved beneficial to the country.

Talking to reporters at the foreign ministry he pointed out that Bangladesh has become able to weather dependency on India following the Indian move.

"We have been able to enhance our air-cargo facilities" he added.

Responding to a question, he said India was yet to respond to Bangladesh's request for extraditing deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in Delhi's shelter since the July-August 2024 changeover that ended her rule.

He said Bangladesh would continue to press India in this regard.

Responding to another question, he said it is not possible to stop the 'push-in' of Bengali-speaking people but Bangladesh is engaged in diplomatic efforts to stop such deportation.

"Push-in is going on but it is not possible to stop this physically. We have sent them letters and we will send letters again," he said.

To a query on the suspension of working visa for Bangladeshis by many countries, the foreign-office boss under the interim government said irregularities by Bangladeshis were also responsible for this.

"How long this will be tolerated by other countries?" he asked.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com