India's trans-shipment halt an opportunity, not barrier: Bangladesh minister

Amid India's decision to halt the trans-shipment facility for Bangladesh, Supradip Chakma, Adviser to Bangladesh's Interim Government under the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, has termed the move as an "opportunity rather than a challenge." 

Speaking to ANI, Chakma stressed that the development would not significantly hamper Bangladesh’s exports and suggested alternative strategies to bypass the disruption.

“This barrier will not hamper too much in exporting our products,” said Chakma. “We could develop our Cox's Bazar or Chittagong Airport for airlifting goods or further expand the capacity of the Dhaka airport. So, we have plenty of ways to overcome this Indian barrier.”

Chakma’s remarks came as a response to India temporarily halting its long-standing trans-shipment arrangement that allowed goods destined for northeastern Indian states to move through Bangladesh’s ports and road networks. The decision has sparked concern in diplomatic and business circles, but Chakma expressed optimism.

“I will take it as an opportunity rather than a challenge,” he emphasized. “We have the advantage of geography and language with India, which can be used not just for trade, but also for sectors like medical tourism.”

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On strengthening bilateral ties and people-to-people connections between India and Bangladesh, Chakma said both nations must look beyond traditional diplomacy and focus on the service sector — especially tourism.

“Unfortunately, we don't give serious attention to the service sector, which includes the tourism industry. We have a huge middle-income group in Bangladesh. We should seriously develop our domestic tourism market so that people reduce going abroad,” he said.

He also pointed out that the cultural and linguistic similarities between Bangladesh and Indian states like West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Assam can serve as a strong foundation for enhancing mutual relations.

“People-to-people contact will ease political tension between the two nations. Our people always feel comfortable going to Indian states where the language is similar. That comfort builds trust, and trust leads to cooperation,” Chakma added.