The lack of infrastructure and insufficient services cripple Banglabandha land port, putting a bar to vibrant trade and commerce between India, Bangladesh and Nepal, according to discussants at a meeting held in the city yesterday.
They observed that Banglabandha land port did not flourish over the past 10 years, thereby witnessing lackluster business activities between the three countries through the frontier.
The observation came at a programme titled “Trade consignment mapping for better regional connectivity in South Asia” organised by Unnayan Shamannay in the city.
The programme was attended by former commerce secretary Sohel Ahmed Chowdhury, Bangladesh Truck Owners Association General Secretary Hossain Ahmed Majumder, policy analyst of CUTS International Prithviraj Nath, senior research fellow of Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and FBCCI adviser Manjur Ahmed.
In his address, Sohel Ahmed said trade and commerce between Banglabandha land port failed to gain momentum even 10 years after its inception and trade volume between Bangladesh, India and Nepal did not increase.
Public commute through this port is yet to start which is also another reason behind the lackluster business, added Sohel. Hossain Ahmed Majumdar said lack of proper infrastructure and services and labour unrest are obstacles to making the port viable. He added that truck transit through this port is yet to get international recognition.
“Banglabandha land port is important for political economy but there are complications regarding limited trade among the countries and over transit and transhipment issues, said Prithviraj Nath, policy analyst of CUTS International.
Mahfuz Kabir of BIISS in his keynote speech recommended signing agreement on cross-border movement of trucks, developing bridges infrastructure at Nepal and establishing single window platform for export-import and transit between Bangladesh and Nepal and Bangladesh and India.
He also urged the authorities concerned to harmonise working hours between India and Bangladesh, but not in case of truck transiting to Nepal, construction of storage and foreign exchange, ensuring availability of customs officials at Banglabandha and Panitanki and ensure adequate banking facilities.