Bangla Ports To Be Opened For India

By Prabir Sil

Agartala, Nov 11 : Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni today made it clear that Chittagong and Mongla ports would be opened for neighbouring countries very shortly.

Dr Dipu Moni, who was speaking at a conference on the “Northeast India and Bangladesh: Strengthening Ties” at Prajna Bhavan here, said that the Sheikh Hasina-led government wants to bring prosperity not only in Bangladesh but also in the entire region – India, Nepal and Bhutan by opening its resources.

Referring to the joint declaration signed by the two countries during Bangladesh Prime Minister’s visit to Delhi in January, she said that the Bangladesh Government has been striving hard to implement it properly.

“Bangladesh will be equally benefited if Chittagong port, one of the biggest sea port in South East Asia is opened for neighbours”, she said adding that Tripura would get access to it very soon.

Opening of Chittagong and Mongla ports and rail connectivity between Agartala- Akhaura were among the major issues included in the joint declaration.

On the rail connectivity, Dr Dipu Moni pointed out that the rail network between Agartala and Akhaura was there but somehow it got snapped. “Now, we want to revive the rail connectivity for mutual benefit”, she said.

Terming poverty as main enemy like terrorism, Dr Moni said that disintegrity among the people living in the entire region is the root cause of the curse.

In turn, Bangladesh expects reciprocal response from India. She said that Bangladesh, which is reeling under severe power shortage, wants to buy power from the Palatana power project in South Tripura district. Dr Moni, who is heading a 45-member business delegation, also said that Bangladesh is looking for big Indian investment in power sector.

“Bangladesh desires to work with other nations to eradicate poverty from the entire region where 40 per cent people are still living below poverty line”, she said.

On the tariff and non-tariff barriers, Dr Moni said that there might be some problems in the bilateral trade but no problem is so big if there is a joint effort. “I hope all the problems will be removed in the days to come”, she said. Dr Moni, who arrived here on a two-day visit, also acknowledged Tripura’s contribution in the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.