Monday, January 17, 2011

Bangladesh to connect with Nepal, Bhutan

Bangladesh is planning to develop waterway transit through Teesta river with landlocked Bhutan in its search for potential routes to connect the South Asian countries.
Dhaka is considering 'potential routes' which could be included for regional connectivity, besides the 'conventional routes', according to the reports from Bangladesh.
A waterway transit for Bhutan from Bangladesh's Doikhawa border under Lalmonirhat district is likely. This is a potential transit route for Bhutan, as the country is eager to use Mongla Port.
"We have already identified major conventional transit routes for India, Nepal and Bhutan," an official said, adding that Dhaka is spotting new routes for them. "We are also planning for a railway transit among the South Asian nations," he added. "However, studies are still progressing on transit fees and infrastructures."
Teesta is one of the major river systems in the region. The river flows through India into Bangladesh.
Bhutan Prime Minister L Thinley proposed three-way talks between Bangladesh, Bhutan and India to speed up the transit issue during his four-day long visit to Dhaka last week.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had signed a joint communique for regional transit including Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Bhutan during her visit to India last January.
India has been providing access, and has agreed to develop air and road links that would facilitate regular movement of goods.
A Bangladesh government committee is preparing the final draft to give transit facilities to its neighbouring countries to enable them to reach Bangladesh's Chittagong and Mongla ports, the Daily Star newspaper reported today.
Bangladesh formed five sub-committees on December 13, assigning five specialists to give their input to Mojibur Rahman, chief of the core committee.

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