The government is set to prepare a national comprehensive transit policy, giving priority to protecting the country's interests and securing potential gains from regional connectivity, sources said.
An inter-ministerial meeting on trade transit and connectivity is scheduled to be held at the commerce ministry today (Tuesday).
The meeting is expected to decide on the framing of the policy, with Senior Secretary at the Commerce Ministry Tapan Kanti Ghosh in the chair.
National transit policy is usually a set of guidelines and regulations governing the movement of goods through a country, either as transit or transhipment. The policy aims to facilitate the movement of goods, promote trade and boost the economy.
The policy generally covers numerous aspects such as the types of goods that can be transported under transit or transhipment, routes that can be used, required documentation, fees and charges and the procedures for customs clearance.
Currently, most of the routes mentioned in the proposed routes of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement Agreement, as well as the projects under implementation by the ministries, facilitate the transit of neighbouring countries through Bangladesh, according to a document.
For this reason, it is expedient for Bangladesh to undertake a comprehensive programme aimed at "Giving Transit and Receiving Transit", all while safeguarding the country's interests, as also mentioned in the document.
An integrated transit policy can be formulated by incorporating the activities of various ministries and departments, noted the document.
A senior official of the commerce ministry said during the renewal of the Bangladesh and India trade agreement, both countries provided transit facilities to each other in third countries.
But, so far studies and activities regarding this issue are insufficient, said the official, adding the assurance of Bangladesh's maximum utilisation of transit facilities has not been achieved yet.
Bangladesh will incorporate transit benefits from neighbouring countries to third countries in its transit policy by utilising the unilateral transit proposal put forth by India in 2017, he added.
To maximise the facilitation of transit connections, different projects undertaken and being implemented by various ministries, departments and organisations can be executed within an integrated system.
According to officials, the commerce ministry will act as the lead ministry in preparing the proposed policy.
Senior Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh on Monday said, "We will hold a stake-taking meeting on Tuesday (today) to review transit connectivity issues."
Responding to a question, he mentioned that certain strategic issues, including the country's security and interests, are linked to such transit. "Currently, the country requires a comprehensive transit policy. It would be beneficial for the country if we can eventually develop such a policy."
In accordance with the policy, all ministries and agencies will be able to address transit issues, including infrastructure development, he further said.
Mr Ghosh added that the preparation of a policy for facilitating transit issues has been mentioned in the WTO agreement.
A technical committee is expected to draft the proposed transit policy during the meeting scheduled for today. Once this policy is drafted, either the commerce ministry or an inter-ministerial committee will consult with the private sector regarding it.
After finalisation, the policy will be submitted for approval to the Cabinet Division. Subsequently, it will be sent to the law ministry for vetting.
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