Thrust on Banglabandha-Phulbari-Kakravita corridor to bolster regional trade

Speakers at a discussion Monday stressed on commencement of Banglabandha-Phulbari-Kakravita trade corridor that would benefit all three countries - Bangladesh, India and Nepal.
"Banglabandha land-port has started functioning 10 years ago. But it has not been fully operational due to lack of the trade corridor among Banglabandha, Phulbari and Kakarvita land-ports," said Sohel Ahmed Chowdhury, former commerce secretary.
He was speaking at a dissemination meeting titled "Trade Consignment Mapping for Better Regional Connectivity in South Asia."
CUTS International, The Asia Foundation and Unnayan Shammannay jointly organised the meeting in the city.
Professor of Economics of East West University A K Enamul Haque gave the welcome speech. CUTS International Policy Analyst Prithviraj Nath, and Senior Research Fellow of Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) Mahfuz Kabir presented an overview of the trade route.
Sohel Ahmed Chowdhury said if Banglabandha port can start full operation, it will be the country's second largest land-port after Benapole.
"There are huge trade potentials through the corridor, not only with Nepal but also with the north-eastern regions of India," he added.
A number of speakers from different organizations spoke in the programme. They unanimously blamed Indian mentality for not opening the Banglabandha-Phulbari-Kakravita trade route. They also urged all parties concerned for changing their mindset to ensure better regional connectivity.
Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Advisor Manzur Ahmed said if full-fledged trade starts through the route, Banglabandha land-port will be automatically developed.
Replying to several stakeholders allegations against the government for not developing the land-port, he said it is all about priority. "If it is not profitable, why will the government develop it?"
"It is a regional issue, only development of Banglabandha port will not bring any profit for Bangladesh, other two ports have to be developed also."
He also stressed on the need for signing motor vehicle agreements with the two neighbouring countries.
Banglabandha port is situated on Bangladesh side, whereas Phulbari port on Indian side and Kakarvita on Nepal side.
According to stakeholders, Banglabandha is yet to emerge as a full-fledged land-port due to lack of a comprehensive plan, inadequate infrastructure facilities and non-cooperation of the Indian authorities conerned.
A transit agreement between Dhaka and Kathmandu was signed in 1976. However, it has not been effective for long 38 years, as there is no permission from India to use the 61-kilometer corridor between Banglabandha and Kakravita through the country.

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