The government of India has banned many goods being sent from Bangladesh through the land routes of the north-eastern states (Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram). These routes were important trade corridors for Bangladesh. India has also banned all those goods of Bangladesh which were exported to third countries through the north-eastern states. According to an estimate, due to this decision of India, Bangladesh may lose business worth Rs 5800 crore annually.
This tough decision was necessary in view of the anti-India stance of the interim government of Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power last year. However, the government says that this step has been taken with the aim of limiting Bangladesh’s trade and promoting local industries like textiles, processed food of India. This step is in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat policy. The aim of the policy is to promote indigenous production by reducing dependence on imports.
The fresh restrictions are likely to have a profound impact on the readymade garment industry of Bangladesh. This industry is the backbone of its economy. A large part of Bangladesh’s garment exports used to be through land routes of North-East India. This saved cost and time. Now, as exports are limited to sea routes only, Bangladeshi exporters will have to bear the brunt of additional cost and time. Bangladesh, which was an important trading partner of India, is increasing its friendship with China and Pakistan after the change of power, ignoring our interests. In view of this, there was a need to send a strong message to it.
Bangladesh is forgetting that apart from playing an important role in its freedom struggle, India has also contributed a lot to its democratic and economic development. The head of the interim government there, Mohammad Yunus, on the one hand has given free hand to the fundamentalists and on the other hand, he is fuelling new geopolitical equations in collaboration with China and Pakistan. China is also increasing investment in Bangladesh and is also giving it military help. Recently, a team of Chinese officers reached Bangladesh to inspect the airbase being built in Lalmonirhat. This base is close to India’s ‘Chicken Neck’ Siliguri Corridor.
Yunus Sarkar’s statements on this corridor connecting Northeast India to Delhi are worrisome. If Pakistan or China’s air force gains access to this Bangladesh airbase, it will also be a matter of concern for India. Pakistan has earlier also conspired to create unrest in the Northeast through Bangladesh. India will have to keep a close watch on Bangladesh’s activities across the Northeast border. Diplomatic and strategic pressure should also be increased on Bangladesh to ensure its security interests.
