Dhaka: Bangladesh Sidelines India, Turns to Maldives for Garment Exports.Since Sheikh Hasina’s shift from Bangladesh to India, conditions for Hindus in Bangladesh have worsened. Although Muhammad Yunus may claim otherwise, behind the scenes, he continues to engage in strategic moves against India. Now, Bangladesh is leveraging its ties with the Maldives to play a new game with India.
Bangladesh is the world’s second-largest garment producer. Previously, it relied on Indian airports and ports to export its goods, generating significant revenue for India’s infrastructure. However, it has now rerouted its exports through the Maldives. Deepak Tiwari, Managing Director of MSC Agency (India) Private Limited, highlighted that this redirection has already impacted India’s revenue from handling Bangladeshi cargo.
Sources indicate that Bangladesh is now shipping its garments to the Maldives by sea and then airfreighting them to global clients, including major brands like H&M and Zara. This shift has raised concerns that Bangladesh’s approach could strain trade relations with India. Additionally, collaboration opportunities in logistics and infrastructure projects may also diminish, posing risks to India’s port revenues and Bangladesh’s trade benefits.
Bangladesh’s garment industry contributes 80% to its exports and 13% to its GDP. Reports suggest that Bangladesh’s decision aims to exert greater control over its supply chain and avoid delays in Indian transit hubs. Indian authorities are now seeking a balanced solution to ensure that Bangladesh’s garment exports continue to benefit both nations.