Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, the Labor and Employment Advisor, emphasized that Bangladesh is not dependent on India’s generosity, as trade between the two nations operates on financial exchanges rather than favors. Speaking during a visit to the Bhomra Land Port, he argued that any cessation of trade would hurt India more than Bangladesh due to its reliance on the market in Bangladesh.

"India does not give us goods for free; they trade with us for money," Dr. Hossain remarked. "If they choose to stop trade, that's their decision. However, history shows that such actions backfire. For instance, India stopped cattle exports to Bangladesh, but that hasn’t stopped us from eating beef. Similarly, stopping trade will not cripple us but will have significant repercussions for India’s economy."

Mutual Dependency in Trade

Dr. Hossain highlighted that the trade relationship between Bangladesh and India involves millions of stakeholders, including workers, transporters, and businesses from both nations. "Trade and commerce between the two nations sustain livelihoods for countless people," he said. "Political embargoes may cause temporary disruptions, but these are short-lived. Indian traders themselves would not accept a disruption to this profitable relationship."

He also noted that India has a vested interest in maintaining the Bangladeshi market, which is essential for its trade routes and economic growth. "The Indian market is too reliant on Bangladesh to let political or economic issues create prolonged trade barriers," Dr. Hossain added.

Countering Propaganda and Misinformation

Addressing the issue of negative propaganda by Indian media, Dr. Hossain noted that such actions damage India’s image more than they affect Bangladesh. "The misinformation spread by certain Indian media outlets is counterproductive," he said. "Bangladesh values its friendly ties with India. However, such behavior pushes the Bangladeshi public sentiment against India, which is not ideal for fostering collaboration."

Bangladesh’s Resilience and Self-Reliance

Dr. Hossain underscored Bangladesh's growing self-reliance in managing its economy and trade networks. He asserted that while Bangladesh appreciates the cooperation with India, it is not solely dependent on it. "Bangladesh is a resilient nation that has learned to adapt and thrive under various circumstances. Our growing economic independence is proof of this," he said.

Bhomra Land Port Visit and Development Insights

Dr. Hossain visited Bhomra Land Port to assess its operations, customs, and immigration activities. He observed several aspects of the port's management and provided directives for further development. During a meeting at the administrative office of the port, he stressed the importance of efficiency and modernization to strengthen trade infrastructure.

He concluded by reaffirming Bangladesh's commitment to maintaining constructive relations with India while prioritizing the nation's economic growth and sovereignty. "We are open to collaboration but on terms that respect our mutual benefits and independence," he stated.

This rewrite maintains the original essence while structuring it for broader readability and impact in an international audience.