No decision to cancel any agreement with India: Foreign Adviser

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said Dhaka is sending a letter to Delhi over the suspension of Bangladeshi goods imports through land ports. However, no decision has been made to cancel any agreement signed with the country.

The adviser said this while addressing a briefing at the foreign ministry on Wednesday (May 21).

Bangladesh has been in touch with New Delhi over reported border push-ins and recent restrictions on imports of Bangladeshi goods through Indian land ports, he said.

“They (India) have conveyed their position to some extent, and we have explained ours. We are trying to make them understand that this is not the right approach,” he said.

The foreign adviser referred to reported push-ins across the border and emphasizing adherence to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in place between the two countries.

Hossain said that India has shared a list of individuals alleged to be Bangladeshi nationals, which is currently under verification by the Bangladesh home ministry.

“Our position is clear, we will verify each case individually, and we will only receive those who are proven Bangladeshi citizens,” he said. “If any individual is found to be an Indian national, we will send them back.”

On the issue of land port restrictions, Hossain said, the Commerce Adviser is reviewing India’s recent move to halt imports of readymade garments and several listed goods from Bangladesh through land ports.

“We are looking into the matter carefully,” he said.

Earlier this month, India reportedly imposed a ban on the import of all kinds of RMG products and selected processed foods from Bangladesh through its land borders, citing administrative reasons. 

The move has raised concerns among exporters and trade bodies in Dhaka.