The Bangladesh government has opened its arms for Tripura as well as the entire North East region by offering the region to have access to Chattogram and Sylhet International airports.
Amid a range of issues that have been jointly agreed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina during the PM’s visit, strengthened connectivity between the countries through North East was prominent.
“The Prime Minister of Bangladesh offered the use of Chattogram and Sylhet international Airport, by the people of North East India, especially of Tripura. Bangladesh also informed that Saidpur Airport is being developed as a regional airport for the use of the people of this region”, the joint statement released by PIB on March 27 read.
The joint statement also mentioned: Highlighting the benefits of connectivity and the trial run of trans-shipment of Indian goods from Kolkata to Agartala via Chattogram, the India side urged for early operationalization of the Agreement on the use of Chattogram and Mongla Ports for the Movement of Goods to and from India, including finalization of cost effective pricing and regulatory orders.
The Indian side requested for transshipment arrangement in Munshiganj and Pangaon as part of the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade until the completion of the bilateral project to develop Ashuganj Container Terminal. Bangladesh side informed the infrastructure limitations in this regard and that work is being planned for upgradation of the facilities.
Prime Minister Modi recalled the recent inauguration of the Maitree Shetu over River Feni and appreciated Bangladesh’s support in materializing this crucial connectivity project. Bangladesh Prime Minister stated that inauguration of the Feni bridge is a testament to the Bangladesh Government’s continued commitment to support initiatives to strengthen connectivity and economic integration in the region, particularly for the North-East of India. Both sides agreed to develop remaining trade and travel infrastructure to facilitate the optimal usage of this new bridge.
