Govt receives WB proposal on regional connectivity

The government has received a proposal from the World Bank Group on ‘regional connectivity’ which, if agreed, will be implemented jointly by Bangladesh, Bhutan and India, said a senior government official. The International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the poorest, will provide financial assistance for the river connectivity project. “There’s a proposal from the World Bank on regional connectivity among three countries. We’re scrutinising the proposal,” Shipping Secretary Shafique Alam Mehdi said on Wednesday. He said the three governments – of Bangladesh, Bhutan and India – need to reach a consensus first to move ahead. “We’re looking into our part initially.” The official, however, declined to tell further as the matter is still at the initial stage. Official sources said the three countries will go for capital dredging to ensure the navigability of rivers to ensure smooth movement of vessels. On April 20, Bangladesh and India agreed on the extension of Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) with the provision of automatic renewal in line with the proposed amendment to the Bangladesh-India trade agreement during a Secretary-level talk between the two countries. With regard to development of entire protocol route under regional IDA assistance of WB, the Bangladesh side while welcoming the proposal agreed to revert after obtaining approval of the authorities concerned in Bangladesh, according to an official document. It was also agreed between the two countries that a draft agreement for the regular movement of passengers and cruise vessels would be shared by India with Bangladesh through diplomatic channel. Bangladesh now has around 3,000 vessels that ply inland river routes, while 10 more ships would be commissioned by December next, official sources said, according to UNB.
- biplab