'Bangladesh to try alternative channels to trade with sanctions-hit Russia'

Finance minister AHM Mustafa Kamal has said that Bangladesh will pursue alternative channels like currency swap to overcome any problem in trading with Russia, hit by US-led sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine.

"We don't think, the war will be long. If so, we will then think of alternative arrangements", he told reporters after the two consecutive meetings of cabinet committee on economic affairs (CCEA) and cabinet committee on public purchase (CCPP) on Thursday.

The CCPP approved a total of 12 procurement proposals including the import of 30,000 metric tons MOP fertiliser by Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) from Russia's JSC Foreign Economic Corporation "Prodintorg" at Tk 1.5 billion (150.21 crore).

The finance minister was asked about anti-Russia sanctions imposed by the European Union and some other Western countries and its backing payment through SWIFT system. So, whether Bangladesh will get its supply from Russia in time and what Bangladesh measures Dhaka will take if the payment system through SWIFT is obstructed under the current situation.

Replying to the question, Kamal said believed the war will stop soon.

He said the government is also considering the alternative sources.

"If we are not able to pay to Russia due to the SWIFT's embargo, we have to take alternative measures through currency swap".

He said many ways will come out. "But we want the war to stop for the sake of humanity.

Kamal said the good relation between Russia and Bangladesh is undeniable.

He noted that Bangladesh's import of the fertiliser from Russia is not new.

"We have been importing this item for long. This time we're also trying to continue the import the item. If they fail to send the item, we will definitely find out alternative sources", he said adding, "Until that we have continue with our current position."