Special Correspondent: The 16th Bangladesh-India Joint Working Group on Trade will be held in New Delhi on Thursday and Friday this week, where Bangladesh is set to raise several unresolved bilateral trade issues with India.

A member of the Bangladesh delegation, speaking on condition of anonymity, told media that Bangladesh will raise almost all trade-related issues from its side. He said that this is a platform for discussion, not a decision-making meeting, and Bangladesh does not know yet what issues the Indian side may raise.

Among the major issues, Bangladesh will discuss anti-dumping duties imposed by India on Bangladeshi jute goods, rail freight charges and the normal movement of goods between the two countries.

Officials said non-tariff barriers are a major obstacle to bilateral trade and will also be discussed in detail. However, the official confirmed that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, known as CEPA, is not on Bangladesh’s agenda for this meeting.

The bilateral trade deficit will also come up for discussion. The trade gap remains very high. According to National Board of Revenue data, in fiscal 2025-26, Bangladesh exported goods worth 1.75 billion US dollars to India and imported goods worth 10.96 billion US dollars from India.

After China, India is Bangladesh’s second-largest source of imports, with local traders importing large volumes of industrial raw materials, fabrics, yarn and cotton.

Bangladesh mainly exports garments to India, although agricultural and fisheries products are also exported there. Exporters are worried because after Bangladesh graduates from the Least Developed Country status, its exports to India may face a 20 percent duty, compared with the current zero rate under regional trade arrangements. One official said it will come as a shock for Bangladeshi exporters.

The outcome of the Joint Working Group meeting is expected to set the tone for future Commerce Secretary-level talks between the two countries.