Adviser to Ministry of Shipping and Textiles and Jute, Brigadier General (Retd.) commented that in determining the future relationship between India and Bangladesh, friendly relations and protection of national interests of both countries will be given priority. M Sakhawat Hossain.
Prannoy Verma, the High Commissioner of India appointed to Bangladesh, made this comment when he came to meet with the adviser at the Secretariat on Wednesday (October 9). M Sakhawat Hossain.
During the meeting, inter-connection with India, development of naval and land ports were discussed. The advisor shed light on how the operations of the land ports can be made more dynamic by protecting the interests of the two countries and how both countries can benefit more economically from the land ports.
The advisor said, India is our closest neighbor and friend. India has investments in Bangladesh in various fields including development of communication infrastructure. On the other hand, Bangladesh has 24 land ports, which are connected with India’s land border. There is also a river-based communication system between both the countries. Bangladesh has been conducting international trade by sea through Chittagong, Mongla and Payra seaports. That is why along with road connectivity sea connectivity with India is very important. Various development projects are ongoing in Bangladesh with the cooperation of India. Both the countries will work together in implementing these people-oriented projects and determining the future Bangladesh-India relations. The relationship between Bangladesh and India is based on the cordial relationship between the people of the two countries.
India’s High Commissioner said that Bangladesh is a tested friend of India. Similarly, India has always stood by the development of the people of Bangladesh. India believes in mutual partnership, trust and friendship with Bangladesh. The Government of India is ready to assist Bangladesh in any initiative beneficial to both countries.
In the meeting, there was a detailed discussion on the development of Ashuganj sea port, Payra port, Mongla port and Chittagong port invested by India as well as the activities and ongoing development projects of Khagrachari Ramgarh land port and Benapole land port.
The adviser urged Indian businessmen to invest in Bangladesh’s jute and textile industry. He said that the demand for jute and jute products instead of plastic is increasing all over the world due to environmental reasons. In Bangladesh, the use of polythene has been banned in supermarkets. A decision has been taken to ban the use of polythene across the country from November 1. Due to this, the market of eco-friendly jute and jute products will be created within the country.
The textile and jute adviser requested the government of Bangladesh to withdraw the anti-dumping tax imposed by India on jute and jute products. He requested the High Commissioner to facilitate Bangladeshi seafarers in obtaining Indian visas and disembarking from ships at Kolkata port. They discussed expediting issues of the Naval Protocol route.
At this time, the secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute. Abdur Rauf, Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping (Routine Duties) Delwara Begum, Additional Secretary (Development and Planning) Md. Muhidul Islam, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Chairman Commodore Arif Ahmed Mostafa was present.
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