A recent Indian ban on aerial transshipment of Bangladeshi exports has unexpectedly turned into a catalyst for domestic airfreight development, officials said Tuesday.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain told reporters that Bangladesh has responded by ramping up air cargo capacity at all international airports, reducing its reliance on Indian routes. “We have been able to enhance our air cargo facilities,” he said, noting that exports are now increasingly being flown directly to key Western markets.

India’s restriction, initially seen as a setback, has now prompted a shift toward self-reliance in export logistics. Officials say the country is poised to benefit long-term from this forced pivot.

On political matters, Mr Hossain said India has not responded to Bangladesh’s request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has remained in Delhi since her ousting in mid-2024. “We will continue to press India on this issue,” he added.

He also acknowledged ongoing “push-ins” of Bengali-speaking people from India, saying such deportations cannot be stopped physically but are being addressed diplomatically. “We have sent them letters and will send more,” he said.

Commenting on the suspension of working visas for Bangladeshis in several countries, the adviser admitted that irregularities by some migrants had contributed to the issue. “How long will other countries tolerate this?” he asked.