Bangladesh has officially conveyed its “deep concern” over India’s ban on export of onions without due notice.

“The latest abrupt announcement of the Government of India on September 14, 2020 undermines the discussions that took place in 2019 and 2020 between the two friendly countries on the matter and the understanding shared,” read the foreign ministry letter sent to India through its high commission in Dhaka.

The letter requests the Indian high commission to convey the message to authorities in New Delhi and take necessary measures to resume onion exports taking into consideration the excellent ties between the neighbours.

In the letter, Bangladesh expressed its “deep concern” as the “sudden announcement” directly affects the supply of essential food items in Bangladesh market. It pointed out that a secretary-level meeting between the commerce ministries of the two countries in January had requested India not to impose export restriction on essential food items required by Bangladesh.

Earlier in the day, state minister for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam said Dhaka had requested New Delhi to revoke the ban on the onion export in line with an “unwritten” understanding.

Even if, he said, India was required to take such a decision, New Delhi would inform Dhaka beforehand.