Govt set to impose fees for Nepal-Bangla road transit

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Doulot Akter Mala
The government is set to charge a fee for using the country's road as traffic-in-transit under the operating modalities for the carriage of transit cargo between Bangladesh and Nepal.
The core group of connectivity issues at a recent meeting has decided to frame a separate rule for charging toll or transport fees for plying foreign cargo.
The provision of charging a fee on transit cargo might be incorporated in the draft agreement on operating modalities for the carriage of transit cargo between Bangladesh and Nepal, officials said.
Members of the core group have agreed on this matter as the country's roads will be damaged for plying transit cargo, officials said.
"We are reviewing the pros and cons of the fees whether they would be imposed on cargo or vehicles," said communications secretary Md. Mozammel Huq Khan.
Presently the government is charging toll for bridges, not for roads, he added.
On finalisation of the draft operating modalities, he said the agreement is expected to be finalised by this year.
Bangladesh and Nepal have signed a transit and trade agreement in 1976. Both the governments have agreed to amend some of the articles of the agreement at a meeting in July last.
The authorities have agreed to eliminate the 'bilateral trade' part of the agreement and focus on transit cargo, said an official.
Biral (entry and exit)-Parbatipur-Abdulpur-Ishwardi-Jessore-Khulna-Mongla (entry and exit) route will be used for rail cargo, while another route will comprise Rohanpur to Mongla, according to the draft agreement.
The draft agreement will also eliminate the provision of termination of the agreement by giving three months' prior notice in writing. The agreement will be effective from the date of signing it and remain valid for five years.
The customs release order for loaded vehicles will be required for cargo vehicles, the draft agreement said.
Driving licenses issued by the Nepal government should be recognised by Bangladesh government.
The core committee has incorporated these articles as per the decision of both the governments in July last. The amendments have been done to the draft agreement sent to the foreign ministry on December 6.