Dhaka, Bangladesh: Exporters in Bangladesh's garment sector are facing a critical juncture after India abruptly closed a transshipment route that had become vital for international air cargo shipments.The now-defunct route, which moved goods via Kolkata and Delhi airports through the Benapole-Petrapole land border, gained popularity during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. It offered quicker delivery and often lower costs compared to using Dhaka’s overburdened Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA).According to the Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association, around 18% of Bangladesh’s garment air cargo—approximately 600 tonnes per week—was routed through Indian airports. Bangladesh exports roughly 3,400 tonnes of garments by air weekly.The Bangladeshi government has acknowledged the strain on its airports and is working on reforms. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman noted that efforts are underway to reduce HSIA'...