Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin on Sunday (11 January) said that the diplomatic developments surrounding the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) exclusion of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman have not affected trade or business relations between Bangladesh and India. He noted that commercial activities between the two neighbouring countries are continuing normally.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat after a meeting on the draft Import Policy Order (IPO), the adviser said Bangladesh follows an open and liberal trade policy with all countries. “We do not take bilateral trade decisions based on country-specific issues as long as our internal trade remains unaffected. The government believes in overall trade liberalisation,” he said.

He added that Bangladesh has implemented several trade-related measures involving India and is closely monitoring their impact, if any.

Earlier, on 3 January, IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) officially announced that Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman had been released from the squad ahead of the upcoming IPL season, scheduled from March to May. Following the move, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift Bangladesh’s matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup from India, citing security concerns.

Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, who was also present at the briefing, echoed similar views, saying that routine developments generally do not influence bilateral trade flows. However, he pointed out that Bangladesh’s exports declined after India closed several land ports and suspended imports from Bangladesh in May, adding that Dhaka did not take any retaliatory steps.

On the recent suspension of jute exports to India, Mahbubur clarified that the decision was taken solely to protect domestic supply. “It was not aimed at harming any country. Our policies are guided by internal trade needs,” he said.

The commerce adviser also informed that the ministry has prepared a draft Import Policy Order for 2025–2028, which includes major changes compared to the current 2021–2024 policy, particularly in trade facilitation and liberalisation.

“The draft will be placed before the next Advisory Council meeting,” Bashir Uddin said, adding that the government is working to introduce significant reforms to the import approval process. Details will be disclosed after the policy receives formal approval.

He said consultations with all key stakeholders, including Bangladesh Bank, have already been completed and the proposal will be submitted to the Advisory Council soon.

Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman added that the IPO is being thoroughly revised to make trade more efficient and business-friendly. “As a signatory to the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, we are aligning our policies accordingly. The revised IPO will bring substantial changes across all areas,” he said.

In response to another question, the commerce adviser said a review meeting on commodity prices ahead of Ramadan has been scheduled for 19 January. The meeting will include all relevant stakeholders and will assess the overall market situation, he added.