New Delhi: Following the political unrest in Bangladesh, Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman stated on Saturday that there was some concern in India’s textile and apparel industry. However, it was too early to predict the full impact on the economy.
Nevertheless, the unrest could potentially disrupt the supply chain, leading to a decrease in production and an increase in costs. This could, in turn, affect India’s overall economic growth.
She said that Indian businessmen have made good-faith investments in Bangladesh, which has increased exports and created more jobs.
“I hope these investments which have benefited Bangladesh remain safe,” she remarked.
She added that India has a policy of allowing liberal imports from low-income countries, which has also helped to spur growth in the Bangladesh economy.
“I hope the new regime in Bangladesh will settle the problem sooner rather than later so that the people of Bangladesh and India can return to their normal situation,” the Finance Minister said.
She also said that the external affairs minister has stated in Parliament that India has stepped up its security along the Bangladesh border, deploying additional forces and implementing stricter border control measures to ensure the region’s safety.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, the newly sworn-in head of the Bangladesh interim government. He also expressed hope for a swift return to normalcy and called for the protection of Hindus in Bangladesh.
PM Modi’s request came in response to media reports of attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government in violent protests led by radical elements. The Indian government, in a display of empathy and solidarity, has stepped up efforts to protect these minorities, ensuring the audience feels the gravity of the situation.
Several hundred Bangladeshi nationals, mostly Hindus, gathered at different points along India’s border with Bangladesh as they were trying to flee the strife-torn country. The BSF has tightened security along the border and has even resorted to forming a human shield to prevent Bangladesh nationals from entering the country. Several such incidents were reported from the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal.
Meanwhile, newly-appointed Bangladesh foreign policy adviser Touhid Hossain said Dhaka will balance ties with big powers and establish good ties with all countries. The Indian government, in a show of solidarity, has expressed its full support for these efforts, reassuring the audience about the stability of diplomatic relations.
–IANS
