Bangladesh is seeking to recalibrate its relationship with neighbouring India by drawing a clear distinction between political discourse and economic decision-making, says Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, amid ongoing tensions on both sides.
Emphasising pragmatism over rhetoric, he told reporters Tuesday that trade and procurement choices "are guided by competitiveness, affordability and national interest rather than diplomatic sensitivities".
At a time when political statements can sometimes suggest strain, Dr Salehuddin stresses that economic engagement between the two next-door neighbours remains steady and functional.
India continues to be a major trading partner for Bangladesh, particularly in essential commodities, health services and regional connectivity, with market logic, rather than politics, driving import decisions.
His remarks came as the government approved large-scale imports of food- grains and edible oils to strengthen food supply ahead of Ramadan, and fertiliser for the upcoming farming season, underscoring the interim administration's focus on economic stability and consumer welfare.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase at the Bangladesh Secretariat, the adviser of the post-uprising government said the country's trade policy is not influenced by political factors.
"If importing rice from India is cheaper than sourcing it from Vietnam or elsewhere, then it makes economic sense to buy from India," he says.
He adds that Bangladesh would continue to import essential commodities, including rice, from India if prices remain competitive, regardless of the prevailing political discourse between the two neighbouring countries.
Importing from alternative markets, he notes, could cost around Tk 10 more per kilogram.
Dr Salehuddin stresses that Bangladesh has never adopted punitive trade measures against India for political reasons. "We do not believe in using trade as a tool for political retaliation. Our priority is to ensure supplies at the best possible price for our people."
Referring to recent import of onions from India, he said delays had occurred despite surplus production on the Indian market, where farmers were reportedly unable to sell produce even at low prices.
He said the issue was addressed through direct engagement with the commerce ministry to facilitate imports in the interest of local consumers.
On the broader state of Bangladesh-India relations, Dr Salehuddin acknowledged that political rhetoric, particularly during periods of heightened political activity, can sometimes appear strained.
However, he maintains that such statements do not reflect the actual state of bilateral ties.
"Political rhetoric is common in public discourse, but that does not mean relations are deteriorating. Diplomacy involves many sensitive and nuanced aspects that are not always visible in public statements."
Dispelling concerns that relations with India have worsened, he says there is no abnormality in diplomatic or economic engagement between the two countries. "Nothing has gone bad. We are continuously working to maintain and improve relations."
He also addressed speculations that external forces might be attempting to create misunderstandings between Bangladesh and India, saying the interim government has no desire to see tensions between neighbouring countries.
"We do not want any bitterness between the two nations. If anyone from outside is trying to instigate problems that is not in the interest of either country," he says, adding that both sides are mindful of national sentiments and the need for mutual respect.
Dr Salehuddin says Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus remains actively engaged in diplomatic efforts, including maintaining communication with individuals and institutions that have strong ties with India.
He also said he had personally spoken to the Indian High Commissioner, who assured him that efforts were under way to manage misunderstandings and maintain constructive engagement. "Some statements may appear in the media, and not everything can be controlled in a free environment. But those should not be interpreted as official policy," he said.
Highlighting Bangladesh's regional outlook, the finance adviser said the country strongly believes in regionalism and constructive engagement with all neighbours.
"India is our largest neighbour and a major partner in trade, health services and many other sectors. We also maintain good relations with Bhutan and Nepal, and are gradually improving ties with Pakistan," he added.
Meanwhile, the purchase committee approved proposals to procure 100,000 metric tonnes of rice, 50,000 metric tonnes of non-basmati parboiled rice to be imported from India through the international open tender method at an estimated cost of Tk 2.18 billion.
Another 50,000 metric tonnes of white rice will be imported from Pakistan under a government-to-government arrangement at about Tk 2.42 billion.
Officials said the imports would help maintain adequate buffer stocks and curb market volatility during Ramadan, when demand for staple food items typically rises sharply.
The Directorate General of Food will implement the procurement to ensure timely arrival of consignments.
The committee also approved proposals to procure 47.5 million litres of edible oil - 10 million litres of refined rice bran oil to be sourced locally and 37.5 million litres of soybean oil to be imported from international sources.
The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) is expected to distribute the oil through subsidised sales. In addition, the government approved the procurement of 10,000 metric tonnes of lentils at an estimated cost of Tk 722 million to meet rising Ramadan demand.
The meeting also approved proposals to import around 130,000 metric tonnes of TSP and DAP fertiliser from Morocco to ensure uninterrupted supply for farmers, with officials saying the move would support crop production and further safeguard food security.
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