Bangladesh may get access to Karachi port:Pakistan offers transit facility during economic bilateral meeting in Dhaka; India had blocked facility early this year
Pakistan has offered Bangladesh the use of its Karachi port. This proposal was made at the 9th meeting of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission (JEC) held in Dhaka on Monday. This meeting took place after nearly 20 years.
Pakistan says that the use of Karachi port could provide Bangladesh with easier access to markets in China, the Gulf countries, and Central Asia.
The Indian government issued a circular on April 8, 2025, terminating the transshipment facility for Bangladesh's third-country exports through Indian territory.
Under this decision, Bangladeshi goods could no longer travel from any Indian port or airport to third countries via India's Land Customs Stations
India blocks transit facility for Bangladesh
The Government of India issued a circular on 8 April 2025, ending Bangladesh’s ability to transport goods to third countries through Indian territory (trans-shipment).
Under this decision, Bangladeshi goods could no longer pass through India’s land customs stations (LCS) to reach a third country via any Indian port or airport.
However, cooperation between the two countries continued in some areas, such as using Mongla and Chittagong ports for India-Bangladesh transit and logistics.
Bangladeshi traders offered scholarships and training
Reports say Pakistan has announced an increase of 500 scholarships and technical training seats for Bangladeshi traders. Both countries have decided to form a joint working group to further pursue these proposals.
Several experts view this move in the context of shifting regional dynamics in South Asia. Recent months have seen some trade disagreements between India and Bangladesh, and Pakistan’s initiative is being seen as an attempt to create new economic and diplomatic opportunities for itself.
However, experts note that the sea route to Karachi port is long for Bangladesh, and practical implementation of this proposal could face cost and logistical challenges.
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