Onion leaves Bangladesh teary-eyed as neighbouring nation turns to India for help
Since the ousting of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024, the bilateral relations between India and the Muhammad Yunus-led government have been strained.
New Delhi: Onion has left Bangladesh 'teary-eyed' with its price soaring to about 200 taka per kg. Amid such a situation, Bangladesh has approached India to buy onions. For now, the country's Ministry of Agriculture has allowed the purchase of 1,500 tons of onions.
Bangladesh to buy onions from India
According to a report by Bangladeshi news agency Prothom Alo, 50 importers from the country have been allowed to buy onions from India. They have been allowed to import till March 31, 2026, and no importer will be able to rake in more than 30 tons. Also, no one will be able to import a second time.
Rising costs of onions in Bangladesh
The price of onions has suddenly increased uncontrollably in Bangladesh. As soon as it exceeded 150 taka per kg, the Ministry of Agriculture started discussions about importing onions. A total of 3500 importers applied to buy onions from India, and 50 applicants have been selected; and more can get approval in the coming days.
Strain in India-Bangladesh relations
Since the ousting of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024, the bilateral relations between India and the Muhammad Yunus-led government have been strained. When the interim government came to power, Bangladesh said that it would reduce its dependence on India and choose alternative countries to import a number of daily necessities, from potatoes and onions to rice, reportedly mentioning some names like Pakistan, China, Myanmar, Turkey, and Egypt. Bangladesh used to buy onions from India as well as Myanmar, but in small quantities.
The cost of importing something from any other country in Bangladesh is almost double or triple the cost of importing from India. That is why Bangladesh has had to turn to India again. A truck carrying 30 tons of onions has already entered Bangladesh through the Hili border. The last time onions were exported to Bangladesh through this border was on August 30 this year.
While the price of onions in India is Rs 28 to 30 per kg, in the Bangladeshi market, it is 150 taka per kg. Currently, Bangladesh is buying onions from India at 12 taka per kg. Including car rental and port taxes, it costs 18 taka per kilogram. As a result, the price of onions in Bangladesh is expected to reduce significantly.