Dhaka bids for greater South Asian trade connectivity

DHAKA - Ahead of the summit level talks with India next week, the Bangladesh government is rooting for wider South Asian road, rail and sea links, emphasising that greater trade connectivity with India, Nepal and Bhutan would bring in a lot of benefits to Dhaka as well.

The new linkages would generate “a new source of revenue” for Bangladesh, policy adviser to the Planning Commission on transport sector management reform M. Rahmatullah said Thursday.

Foreign Minister Dipu Moni was present at a round table on “Community in South Asia: Opportunity for Bangladesh,” Star Online, website of The Daily Star said.

“The people’s aspiration and concern over the transit facility and connectivity will be reflected at the PM-level discussion during her ensuing India visit,” the minister said.

Rahmatullah is a celebrated official who worked with the UN on Asian Highway that Dhaka has decided to join, shedding reservations by two previous governments.

As Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina prepares for talks with her Indian counterpart, Manmohan Singh, her arch political rival and opposition leader has already warned against any connectivity that is “advantageous” to India, threatening a mass agitation.

“The development of the deep-sea port will open up a lot of opportunities with trade in transport services,” Rahimtullah said.

He said if the regional connectivity is established, the service of the seaport, roads and railway transit would significantly generate revenue for the country as a new source of earning.

Citing World Bank data, the minister said it cost $2,200 to carry a 20-feet container by sea from Delhi to Dhaka and it takes around two months. Whereas it costs only $1,400 to bring the consignment by railway, and takes two or three weeks.