Dhaka: Bangladesh’s relations with India have deteriorated since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. The constant news about the persecution of minority Hindus has added to the bitterness. In such a situation, Mohammad Yunus government of Bangladesh is looking for a way to reduce dependence on India. They are looking for other sources of import, especially potatoes and onions. (Bangladesh Situation)
Bangladeshi media ‘Pratham Alo’ reported that instead of relying on India to import potatoes and onions, the Yunus government is looking for alternative ways. The Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission has given a report on this to the Ministry of Commerce of the country last week. The government of the country has also held a meeting with the concerned parties. (Muhammad Yunus)
Secretary of Commerce of the country Mah. Salimuddin also made a statement in the media. He said that the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission has searched for alternative sources to control the price of potatoes and onions and to continue importing. He said that the matter is being looked at seriously.
At present, Bangladesh only imports potatoes from India. Onion is imported from India and Myanmar. Although the quantity is less, now they have started importing onions from Pakistan, China and Türkiye. Ways are being sought to import onions from Germany, Egypt, China and Spain to reduce dependence on India. Besides, there are talks with Pakistan and China to increase the quantity of imported onion.
Rising prices of potatoes and onions in India have been cited as a reason for this. It has been said that a month ago the price of onion in India was 510 dollars per ton, but it increased to 564 dollars in early December. But a year ago, the price was 244 dollars. Similarly, while the price of potatoes was $329 per ton a month ago, it was $355 at the beginning of December. A year ago this price was 266 dollars. Exports of potatoes and onions from India have also decreased significantly. So the search for alternatives has started.
Although there is talk of finding an alternative to India in the import of potatoes and onions for economic reasons, in the last few days there have been demands to boycott Indian products in Bangladesh. Social media is also promoting about it. That list includes soap, shampoo, face wash, toothpaste, mineral water, disinfectants, car-bike tires and baby food. BBC recently published a report that many people are avoiding Indian products.
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