Govt deprived of huge revenue
Thursday, 25 October 2007
Fakhrul Alam
Chittagong, Oct 24: Two transit points at Hnila and Ghumdhum border meant for legal entrance into Bangladesh and Myanmar, have been kept closed for long 6 years since the destruction of the Twin Towers in the USA. As a result, the Bangladesh government is being deprived of revenue worth millions of taka annually, concerned sources said.
In response to repeated appeals of the local people, the past BNP government assured them of reopening the transit points but did not take any step to implement it.
Bangladesh and Myanmar jointly introduced 8-hour long genuine visa system in the year 1978. It opened the doors of Bangladeshi inhabitants to visit Myanmar and those of Myanmar to Bangladesh on obtaining visa legally. People of both the countries had enjoyed the facilities for around 23 years. Three passport points along Teknaf Sadar, Hnila and Ghumdhum were earmarked for legal movement of the residents of Bangladesh and Myanmar on payment of the taxes as fixed by the respective of governments.
People of Myanmar obtaining pass from the Immigration office used to arrive at this country for an 8-hour visit while Bangladeshi people used to enjoy the same facilities on payment of prescribed fees.
But following the Twin Tower incident in 2001, the Myanmar government without any formal announcement suddenly sealed the three transit points mentioned points for an indefinite period. The BDR strongly protested the unilateral decision of the Myanmar government at that time.
However, after 4 years, transit points along Teknaf border area was reopened for movement but the rest two have been kept closed, sources added.
Chittagong, Oct 24: Two transit points at Hnila and Ghumdhum border meant for legal entrance into Bangladesh and Myanmar, have been kept closed for long 6 years since the destruction of the Twin Towers in the USA. As a result, the Bangladesh government is being deprived of revenue worth millions of taka annually, concerned sources said.
In response to repeated appeals of the local people, the past BNP government assured them of reopening the transit points but did not take any step to implement it.
Bangladesh and Myanmar jointly introduced 8-hour long genuine visa system in the year 1978. It opened the doors of Bangladeshi inhabitants to visit Myanmar and those of Myanmar to Bangladesh on obtaining visa legally. People of both the countries had enjoyed the facilities for around 23 years. Three passport points along Teknaf Sadar, Hnila and Ghumdhum were earmarked for legal movement of the residents of Bangladesh and Myanmar on payment of the taxes as fixed by the respective of governments.
People of Myanmar obtaining pass from the Immigration office used to arrive at this country for an 8-hour visit while Bangladeshi people used to enjoy the same facilities on payment of prescribed fees.
But following the Twin Tower incident in 2001, the Myanmar government without any formal announcement suddenly sealed the three transit points mentioned points for an indefinite period. The BDR strongly protested the unilateral decision of the Myanmar government at that time.
However, after 4 years, transit points along Teknaf border area was reopened for movement but the rest two have been kept closed, sources added.