The Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin has said that the recent controversy surrounding Indian Premier League (IPL) has had no negative impact on bilateral trade between Bangladesh and India, adding that commercial activities between the two countries continue as usual.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday after a meeting at the Secretariat on the new Import Policy Order, Sheikh Bashiruddin said the government has observed no disruption in trade linked to the IPL issue.

He noted that Bangladesh maintains open and liberal trade relations with countries around the world, including India, and avoids taking specific bilateral decisions unless domestic trade is directly affected.

Sheikh Bashiruddin said Bangladesh believes in liberal trade practices and continues to review whether any of its recent commercial measures with India have had an impact, adding that overall trade flows remain normal.

Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, who was also present, said day-to-day political or diplomatic developments generally do not affect bilateral trade.

However, he pointed out that India had closed several land ports and suspended imports from Bangladesh in May, which led to a decline in Bangladeshi exports. He added that Bangladesh did not respond with retaliatory measures.

Addressing concerns over the suspension of jute exports to India, Mahbubur Rahman said the decision was taken solely to ensure adequate domestic supply and market stability.

He emphasized that Bangladesh’s trade policies are designed to protect internal commerce and are not intended to harm any other country.