DE News Desk :
Bangladesh is in ongoing communication with India regarding recent incidents of alleged border push-ins and the imposition of restrictions on the import of Bangladeshi goods through Indian land ports, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hossain stated, “They [India] have shared their position to some extent, and we have conveyed ours. We are trying to make them understand that this is not the appropriate way to address the issue.”
He underscored the importance of adhering to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) agreed upon by both nations to manage border-related matters and prevent unilateral actions.
Hossain noted that India has submitted a list of individuals it claims are Bangladeshi nationals.
“The Home Ministry is currently verifying the identities on the list,” he said.
“Our stance is clear—each case will be investigated individually. Only those confirmed as Bangladeshi citizens will be accepted. If anyone is identified as an Indian national, they will be returned.”
Regarding recent trade restrictions, Hossain said that Bangladesh’s Commerce Adviser is actively assessing India’s reported decision to halt the import of ready-made garments (RMG) and several processed food items through land routes.
“We are closely examining the situation,” he added.
Earlier this month, Indian authorities reportedly suspended imports of all types of RMG products and selected processed foods from Bangladesh via land ports, citing administrative reasons.
The decision has sparked concern among exporters and trade organizations in Bangladesh, who fear potential disruptions to bilateral trade.