India's ban an opportunity for self-reliance for Bangladesh: Adviser Asif Mahmud

India's recent import ban on certain Bangladeshi goods should be viewed as an opportunity for long-term self-reliance, said Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Speaking to journalists today (20 May) at the National Youth Development Institute in Savar during the Youth Assembly 2025, where he was chief guest, the adviser acknowledged the potential short-term difficulties but stressed the importance of building local resilience.

"Businesses might suffer some temporary losses, but in the long term, we believe this is an opportunity for us to move towards self-reliance," he said.

Commenting further, he added, "Our commerce adviser has stated that this ban will harm India more than us, as India exports more to Bangladesh. However, since this was a sudden decision, we must certainly look for alternative arrangements. Until those alternatives are found, there will be some obstacles and businesses might incur some temporary losses. But in the long term, we believe this is an opportunity for us to move towards self-reliance."

The remarks came after India issued a notification on 17 May restricting the import of at least seven categories of Bangladeshi products—including readymade garments, fruits, and processed foods—through land ports. These goods may now only be imported via Kolkata and Nhava Sheva seaports in Mumbai.

At the same press event, the adviser addressed allegations linking him to the ongoing protest demanding that BNP leader Ishraque Hossain be sworn in as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation.

Supporters of Ishraque have accused Asif Mahmud of obstructing the oath-taking.

In response, he said, "When the government works, the government works as a body; no one has the opportunity to make any decision personally here, especially such big decisions. There is no reason to think that I am taking this as an individual."

He added, "Since there are legal complications and matters are sub judice, there is no real benefit in personally attacking me. The legal battle must be fought in court. Regarding the complications that exist, we have sought the opinion of the Law Ministry. Since the Law Ministry is an expert on this matter, perhaps we can reach a decision based on their opinion."

"Since the matter is sub judice, and there is a hearing today, it would not be appropriate to comment further. The Local Government Division was not a party to the case concerning the issue for which the movement is ongoing, and there was no directive to the division in the verdict," he said.

He further stated, "Various legal complications have arisen, including those related to tenure. We have received a legal notice, and a writ petition has been filed. The hearing is supposed to take place today. Only when the sub judice matters and legal complications are resolved can a decision be made."

Meanwhile, protests demanding Ishraque Hossain's swearing-in entered their sixth consecutive day today. Since 10am, demonstrators have occupied the area in front of the main gate of Nagar Bhaban and blocked vehicular movement in Gulistan and surrounding roads.

Protesters were seen chanting slogans demanding that Ishraque be sworn in as mayor and calling for the resignation of Adviser Asif Mahmud. The blockade also extended to the nearby Golap Shah Mazar intersection, causing significant disruption to traffic and public movement in the area.