The execution process of trans-border transit trade with neighbouring countries seems cloaked in confusions as the government has yet to assign any specific lead ministry to deal with the issues, officials said.
A provision on 'transit trade through Bangladesh' is incorporated into the Allocation of Business of the ministry of commerce (MoC). But the responsibilities have been reallocated to two other ministries in phases.
In 2012, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) empowered the ministry of shipping (MoS) to deal with cross-border transit.
Later, the ministry of foreign affairs (MOFA) has been assigned to the task of coordinating in such matter.
The MoFA is currently working as coordinator as per a decision of a meeting held earlier, chaired by the Economic Affairs Adviser to the PM.
The MoC held an inter-ministerial meeting Sunday to discuss the issue with other ministries and wings.
Talking to the FE, Commerce Secretary Hedayetullah Al Mamoon said the transit issues fall under the domains of different ministries, but lead ministry is commerce to coordinate all of the matters.
"Road, water, rail and other issues are related to the transit issue which may be dealt by the ministries concerned," he said.
The commerce secretary, however, declined to talk on the inter-ministerial meeting as no decision has been taken yet.
An official source said the meeting decided to keep the MoC as lead ministry for transit as per allocation of business.
In August 2014, the PM instructed bringing necessary amendments in the allocation of rules of businesses of MoC on transit.
Both the customs and commerce ministry officials said the MoC is assigned to coordinate transit trade while connectivity, duty-tax, fees and other issues are under the authority of relevant ministries and departments.
"It is clear for the MoC that it is assigned for dealing with transit. The issue came under discussion after re-allocation of the responsibility to other ministries," the official said.
The chapter 11 of the Allocation of Business 1996 mandated the MoC to deal with any kind of transit trade.
Transit was initially included in the Bangladesh-India Bilateral Trade Agreement 1972.
Protocol on Inland Water Transit (PIWT) between India and Bangladesh was signed that year under the provision of bilateral trade agreement.
A Core Committee on Transit has submitted its report to PMO after a two-year-long intensive analysis on the pros and cons of transit with India, Nepal and Bhutan.
So far, no action has been taken on the basis of analysis of the core committee-thereby leaving such an important matter in the lurch.
The core committee has suggested forming National Transit Authority that would deal with the cross-border trade issue.
Basic infrastructure for allowing transit is needed for offering smooth transit facility to India.
Officials said the Ashuganj-Akhaura road-transport facility should be developed to allow transit vehicles to pass through.
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