No negative impact on Bangladesh–India trade from IPL issue: Commerce Adviser

Bangladesh’s Interim Government Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin has said that the IPL-related issue has had no adverse impact on trade between Bangladesh and India, noting that bilateral commercial activities are continuing as usual.

He made the remarks on Sunday (January 11) while speaking to journalists after a meeting at the Secretariat on the new import policy order.

“We maintain liberal trade relations with all countries,” Sheikh Bashiruddin said. “As long as our internal trade is not disrupted, we do not take specific bilateral decisions. Overall, we believe in open trade.”

Referring to India, he said Bangladesh has taken various commercial measures and is closely monitoring whether these have had any impact.

Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, who was also present, said day-to-day developments generally do not affect bilateral trade. However, he noted that India closed several land ports and suspended imports from Bangladesh in May, which led to a decline in Bangladesh’s exports. “Despite this, we did not take any retaliatory measures,” he said.

On the suspension of jute exports to India, the commerce secretary clarified that the decision was taken solely to ensure adequate domestic supply. “It was not intended to harm any other country. Our policies are designed to safeguard internal trade and are never aimed at causing damage to others,” he added.