Bangladesh has officially conveyed its concern over India’s banning of onions Export without due notice.
The Indian government on Monday banned the export of all varieties of onions with immediate effect to increase availability and curb prices of the commodity in the domestic market.
The latest announcement of the Government of India on September 14, 2020, counters the discussion took place in 2019 and 2020 between the two countries on the matter and understanding.
It requests the Indian High Commission to convince the message to authorities in New Delhi and take necessary measures to resume onion exports and create the excellent ties between the neighbours.
In letter, Bangladesh expressed its “deep concern” as the sudden announcement directly affects the supply of essential food items in the Bangladesh market.
It pointed out a secretary-level meeting between the commerce ministries of the two countries held on 15 and 16 January 2020 in Dhaka requested India not to impose an export restriction on essential food items required by Bangladesh.
The letter claims the Bangladesh side also requested India to inform Dhaka ahead of time in case of event necessitating such a restriction.
Earlier in the day, State Minister for Foreign Affairs has requested New Delhi to revoke its ban on onion export in line with an unwritten understanding.
“We are expecting a positive result soon in this regard, he said, while talking to reporters at his office.
New Delhi in September last year imposed a similar onion export ban, which, however, was lifted later on.
Finance minister AHM Mustafa Kamal has said the government was considering withdrawing import duty on the essential item.
