In a far reaching move, Bangladesh has allowed India, Nepal and Bhutan to use its southwestern Mongla port as part of a stepping up of maritime relations between the nations.
India wants to use Bangladesh’s seaports to carry goods to its seven north eastern and landlocked states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.
Nepal and Bhutan are also interested in using the ports for external trade, an official told Port Strategy.
Bangladesh already offers India the use of Chittagong, Mongla and Ashuganj ports. India is also helping develop Ashuganj port.
“They are going to help Bangladesh build the ports infrastructure,” Md. Shafiqul Islam, principal officer, Mercantile Marine Department, Chittagong told PS. This will be done with a $2m loan, Mr Islam said, referring to a line of credit given by India to Bangladesh to help develop infrastructure.
