Dhaka, Apr 10 (V7N) –On Monday, April 8, India’s Revenue Department issued a circular stating that the earlier circular (dated June 29, 2020) that granted transshipment facilities to Bangladesh has been withdrawn. This transshipment facility had allowed goods to be sent from Bangladesh to Nepal or Bhutan. Although this route was rarely used in practice, it was considered symbolically important in terms of regional cooperation.

Following the 40-minute meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, Bangladesh released a statement that reportedly drew dissatisfaction from the Indian side. Media reports quoting Indian government sources claimed that Bangladesh’s statement was “politically motivated.” A few days later, the cancellation of the transshipment facility appears to be a signal from Delhi.

A former diplomat commented: “Diplomacy cannot be conducted through the media. On sensitive issues, it is always best to be cautious. There is a tendency on both sides—Bangladesh and India—to use the media for diplomatic messaging. This hinders the development of good relations.”

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