Bangladesh's garment exporters are facing a critical logistical challenge after India abruptly shut down a key transshipment route that had become a preferred option for urgent international air shipments, reports Dhaka Daily Star.
The now-suspended route allowed Bangladeshi cargo to move overland via the Benapole-Petrapole border and continue by air through major Indian hubs like Kolkata and Delhi.
It gained traction during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, offering a faster and often more cost-effective alternative to the congested Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka.
Industry sources estimate that around 18 per cent of Bangladesh's air-shipped garments were routed through Indian airports.
Prior to the ban, Bangladesh exported 3,400 tonnes of garments by air each week, with about 600 tonnes routed through India, according to the Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association.
The disruption has intensified pressure on HSIA, already stretched thin in terms of capacity and infrastructure.
In response, the Bangladeshi government has acknowledged the urgency of the situation and pledged reforms.
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman stated that efforts are underway to lower ground handling costs and enhance cargo operations at HSIA.
Meanwhile, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin convened meetings with key ministries to explore how Dhaka and Sylhet airports could be strengthened as reliable alternatives for garment exports.
SeaNews Turkey
The now-suspended route allowed Bangladeshi cargo to move overland via the Benapole-Petrapole border and continue by air through major Indian hubs like Kolkata and Delhi.
It gained traction during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, offering a faster and often more cost-effective alternative to the congested Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka.
Industry sources estimate that around 18 per cent of Bangladesh's air-shipped garments were routed through Indian airports.
Prior to the ban, Bangladesh exported 3,400 tonnes of garments by air each week, with about 600 tonnes routed through India, according to the Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association.
The disruption has intensified pressure on HSIA, already stretched thin in terms of capacity and infrastructure.
In response, the Bangladeshi government has acknowledged the urgency of the situation and pledged reforms.
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman stated that efforts are underway to lower ground handling costs and enhance cargo operations at HSIA.
Meanwhile, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin convened meetings with key ministries to explore how Dhaka and Sylhet airports could be strengthened as reliable alternatives for garment exports.
SeaNews Turkey
