Sakhawat: India will harm its own economy if decides to halt trade

Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain said that blocking the Ghojadanga border, as demanded by West Bengal BJP legislator Suvendu Adhikari, would harm both Bangladesh and India.

“If India decides to halt trade, it would harm their economy,” he said.

He gave the example of the cattle trade, pointing out that despite the suspension of cattle exports, Bangladesh continues to consume them.

He emphasized that trade is vital for both countries and businesspeople will not support such a move.

He also mentioned that sometimes both countries impose blockades for short periods, and such actions rarely persist for long.

Regarding the issue of Indian media propaganda, he said that while Indian media might be increasing their TRP ratings, they fail to realize the negative impact it has on India's image in Bangladesh.

“The more the people of Bangladesh hear such things, the more they stand against India,” he said.

He further spoke about national unity, saying that in the 50 or 52 years of Bangladesh's history, it was rare for all political parties to sit together.

He considered the current situation, where political leaders and religious leaders are coming together to resolve national issues, as a significant achievement and an example for future unity.