Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, Adviser on Shipping and Labour & Employment, has asserted that Indian propaganda has no significant impact on Bangladesh.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting the Benapole Cargo Yard and Immigration facilities in Jessore on Friday, he emphasized the resilience of Bangladesh's healthcare and economic sectors.
"Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in healthcare and offers ample consumer choices, making it unaffected by Indian restrictions," said Dr. Sakhawat.
He highlighted the significant economic contribution of Bangladeshi travelers to India, noting that Bangladesh ranks second among foreign visitors to the country. "If Bangladeshi visitors stop traveling, Indian businesses will face substantial losses," he added.
The Adviser also underscored Bangladesh's strong communal harmony, stating, "We have no divisions between majoritarian and minoritarian groups. People of all religions live here peacefully."
During his visit to the Benapole Checkpost Passenger Terminal and Immigration facilities, Dr. Sakhawat observed a decline in cross-border travel. He attributed this to India's restrictive visa policies, which he said inconvenience some Bangladeshi patients but ultimately cause greater harm to Indian businesses.
The inspection was attended by senior officials, including Manzarul Mannan, Chairman of the Bangladesh Land Port Authority; Brigadier General Humayun Kabir, Regional Commander of the BGB Southwest Region; Jessore Deputy Commissioner Azharul Islam; and 49 BGB Commander Saifullah Siddique.
