WB for developing Ctg, Mongla ports as regional transit point
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
The World Bank (WB) has suggested Bangladesh to shape up Chittagong and Mongla seaports as regional ports for smooth regional connectivity, which the donor agency thinks will spur the country's economic uplift, reports UNB.
WB Regional Director Sadiq Ahmed came up with the proposition during talks with Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain at his office Monday.
"Neighbouring countries would be able to transport their goods through the ports if multipurpose uses of both the ports can be ensured," Dr Sadiq said.
Assuring financial support for development of Bangladesh, the multilateral funding agency's executive said Bangladesh would benefit economically if regional connectivity could be ensured.
He said the WB would come forward with more support in internal and communications infrastructures development and establishing regional connectivity.
He further said linking the region would be a matter of simple job if entire communications development with railway connectivity was seen in Bangladesh.
The communications minister informed the WB regional director that the government would open Padma Bridge for traffic within 2013 through ensuring railway track from the very beginning.
He said approximately 820 million US dollars would be needed for setting up rails on the Dhaka-Fatullah-Mawa-Bhanga-Bhatiapara-Jessore route, and he sought WB support for implementing the project.
He also said, "Railway connectivity between Chittagong and Mongla ports is also an imperative now."
Secretary of Roads and Railway Department ASM Ali Kabir, Additional Secretary Alam Mehdi, Director General of Bangladesh Railways Md Belayet Hossain and Chief Engineer of the Directorate of Roads and Highways Munshi Mostafizur Rahman were also present at the meeting.
WB Regional Director Sadiq Ahmed came up with the proposition during talks with Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain at his office Monday.
"Neighbouring countries would be able to transport their goods through the ports if multipurpose uses of both the ports can be ensured," Dr Sadiq said.
Assuring financial support for development of Bangladesh, the multilateral funding agency's executive said Bangladesh would benefit economically if regional connectivity could be ensured.
He said the WB would come forward with more support in internal and communications infrastructures development and establishing regional connectivity.
He further said linking the region would be a matter of simple job if entire communications development with railway connectivity was seen in Bangladesh.
The communications minister informed the WB regional director that the government would open Padma Bridge for traffic within 2013 through ensuring railway track from the very beginning.
He said approximately 820 million US dollars would be needed for setting up rails on the Dhaka-Fatullah-Mawa-Bhanga-Bhatiapara-Jessore route, and he sought WB support for implementing the project.
He also said, "Railway connectivity between Chittagong and Mongla ports is also an imperative now."
Secretary of Roads and Railway Department ASM Ali Kabir, Additional Secretary Alam Mehdi, Director General of Bangladesh Railways Md Belayet Hossain and Chief Engineer of the Directorate of Roads and Highways Munshi Mostafizur Rahman were also present at the meeting.