How do you describe the current bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Nepal? How could they be further enhanced?
Nepal and Bangladesh have enjoyed excellent bilateral relations ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 8 April 1972. The relations between the two countries are based on goodwill, understanding and mutual cooperation. Nepal was the 7th country to recognize Bangladesh.
The exchange of visits at various levels and on different occasions has strengthened the cordial relations between the two countries. The frequency and level of the visits have been significantly enhanced in recent years and months.
Nepal and Bangladesh work closely on issues of common interests in such international bodies as UNCTAD, ECOSOC, WTO, and share similar views at various regional and international forums, including SAARC, BIMSTEC and the United Nations.
We need to engage in continuous exercises through various levels of visits and exchanges in an effort to ensure that our existing bilateral relations get traction and momentum.
What are the new areas of cooperation by which both countries can be benefited?
There are a variety of issues of bilateral concern, ranging from connectivity on roads, in railways, airways and waterways to trade, tourism, education, culture and hydroelectric generation. The Twenty-First century is often defined as the century of shared prosperity and development.
There are various attractive avenues for cooperation in the investment sector. There is a huge labour force, sufficient hydroelectricity and an improving industrial infrastructure, and thus Nepal can be a priority for investors from around the region and Bangladesh.
Are you satisfied with the present trade volume between Dhaka and Kathmandu? What is the current trade volume? How can it be increased?
I am not at all satisfied with the negligible trade volume existing between the two friendly neighbouring countries. As I mentioned, bilateral trade between our two countries is far below expectations. In the last fiscal year, the trade volume was around US$60 million, with the trade tilted in favour of Bangladesh. Trade is an area of concern for both countries. Nepali goods can find access to the Bangladeshi market if zero tariff rates are levied, and Nepal would allow Bangladeshi exports on concessional terms (as agreed upon at the commerce secretary level meeting in 2018).
Garment is a thriving industry in Bangladesh, for which Nepal is in a better position to export yarn in abundance. Bangladesh could import many items from Nepal and vice versa.
The business communities of both the countries should be encouraged to organise a Single Country Trade Fair every year in Kathmandu and Dhaka. This will give a positive boost to our bilateral trade and commerce.
The Nepalese business community should be encouraged to tap into the huge market of Bangladesh, having around 160 million consumers near its border. Bangladesh should reciprocate with an increased volume of trade.
What are the obstacles to direct connectivity in terms of tourism, bus services and cargoes between Bangladesh and Nepal through Indian territory?
There has been very good progress recently in this long awaited initiative. After two years, a meeting on Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) on sub-regional Motor Vehicle Agreement was held in New Delhi on 8 February 2020.
Bhutan participated in the meeting as an observer. It discussed passenger and cargo protocol which will go into effect in the Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) for the regulation of passenger, personal and cargo vehicular traffic among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal, signed on 15 June 2015.
The delegations of Bangladesh, India and Nepal agreed to consider the finalization of the MOU to be signed for the implementation of the BBIN MVA by these three countries.
The meeting agreed to revert by May 2020 on the process of internal consultations by the respective countries based on the discussions at the meeting.
Do you think the international community is doing enough to resolve the Rohingya crisis? How do you envisage a solution to this protracted crisis?
It seems the approach and actions taken by the international community to solve the Rohingya refugee crisis are not adequate enough given the magnitude and seriousness of the issue. It is frustrating to see the crisis deepening with a significant proportion of the population, including women and children, vulnerable to death, disease and disruption of livelihoods over a prolonged period of time.
Despite efforts being made in bilateral, multilateral, UN forums,the International Court of Justice and many other diplomatic activities, the Rohingya crisis has deepened into a long-term refugee emergency.
More serious initiatives by the international community are necessary to rebuild the trust of Rohingyas, and ensure their safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation to their homeland.
Nepal, having faced such crises in the past with 120,000 Bhutanese refugees and continuing with around 25,000 Tibetan refugees till date, has full support for Bangladesh on the need for a solution to this humanitarian crisis.
