High-powered committee formed to develop nat'l transit policy

The government has decided to form a high-powered technical committee to offer essential recommendations for drawing up a comprehensive national transit policy, said sources.
At an inter-ministerial meeting on trade transit and connectivity held at the commerce ministry on Tuesday, a decision was reached regarding the matter. The meeting was chaired by Tapan Kanti Ghosh, senior secretary at the commerce ministry.
The committee is expected to consist of 7 to 12 members representing various state agencies and trade bodies.
The committee's primary task will be to compile a set of recommendations that will contribute to the formulation of a much-needed transit policy.
The core objective of this policy is to emphasise the safeguarding of the nation's interests and the maximisation of potential benefits from regional connectivity.
Senior Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh said on Monday, "A comprehensive guideline or policy on transit needs to be developed. Then all ministries and agencies will be able to address transit issues, including infrastructure development."
Mr Ghosh added that the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement underscores the necessity of creating a policy for facilitating transit issues. Such a policy could greatly benefit the country if successfully formulated.
Upon drafting the policy, relevant authorities will engage in consultations with the private sector.
Following finalisation, the policy will be submitted for approval to the Cabinet Division and subsequently forwarded to the law ministry for vetting.
The Bangladesh-India Joint Manifesto, during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India in September 2022, includes provisions on transit and connectivity.
Tuesday's meeting was attended by senior officials from various ministries and agencies.

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