Cabinet okays use of BD ports for India

Bangladesh has agreed to allow India to use Chattogram and Mongla ports for freight transport to its northeastern states, reports bdnews24.com.

Customs duties and transportation costs will be charged on this freight as it makes its way through Bangladesh territory, said Cabinet Secretary Shafiul Alam, after the cabinet approved the draft of a possible deal with India.

"A draft of the communication network being built for connectivity between Chattogram and Mongla ports has been approved for India's signing. One of the provisions says that Nepal and Bhutan can be added to the agreement if they wish."

The decision is another step in improving the friendly relations between Bangladesh and India, Alam said.

The Chattogram and Mongla parts will be used to transport goods to northeastern Indian states.

Only Bangladeshi vehicles may be used as freight transport to move the goods while they are in Bangladesh territory, Alam added. India must also follow GATT and Bangladesh regulations and also pay the customs duties and buy tax equivalent bonds.

A tracking system will be used to monitor the cargo moving through Bangladesh, he said.

"Priority will be given according to the capacity of the Chattogram and Mongla ports. Bangladesh will also collect customs duties and transport costs according to the GATT principles."