Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, Adviser on Shipping and Labour & Employment, said India’s misinformation campaigns do not harm Bangladesh, emphasizing that the country's healthcare sector has made enough progress and consumers have enough choice to not be affected by any Indian restrictions.

He made these remarks while speaking to reporters after inspecting the Benapole Cargo Yard and Immigration facilities in Jessore on Friday afternoon.

He said, “Bangladeshis ranks second among all foreign travelers to India, contributing significantly to their economy. If they stop visiting, Indian businesses will also be affected.”

Highlighting Bangladesh’s communal harmony, he said, “We do not have majoritarian or minoritarian divisions. People of all religions live here peacefully.”

Interim Govt working to protect interests of factory owners and workers: M Sakhawat

During the visit, the Adviser inspected the Benapole Checkpost Passenger Terminal and Immigration facilities and inquired about cross-border travel.

Commenting on the reduced number of travelers, he blamed India’s visa restrictions, stating, “The decline in passenger movement is due to the Indian government’s refusal to issue visas. While some Bangladeshi patients face inconvenience, Indian businesses suffer greater losses due to this situation.”

The inspection was attended by Manzarul Mannan, Chairman of the Bangladesh Land Port Authority; Brigadier General Humayun Kabir, Regional Commander of BGB’s Southwest Region; Jessore Deputy Commissioner Azharul Islam; and 49 BGB Commander Saifullah Siddique, among others.