The movement of goods and people between Bangladesh and India is very costly and inefficient, according to experts, who advocate a rail link between the two countries to dramatically reduce costs.

Goods carrying containers from Kolkata currently reach Dhaka via Singapore. As a result, the cost of carrying a container is over $ 2,500 - a sum that could be reduced to $800 if the goods were carried by rail.

This was disclosed yesterday when a civil society delegation comprising representatives from Bangladesh and India called on communication ministry officials and suggested development of a rail link between the two countries to harness the economic potential of the southeast Asian region.

They observed that people of both countries should not be hostage to the negative mindset of political leaders. The economic doors should be opened for the benefit of the people of both countries, they said.

They also discussed how to minimise Bangladesh's huge trade deficit with India. The Indian side observed that development of railways would minimise the gap. The Indian side also highlighted the need for improving the facilities at Chittagong port.

The Indian delegation was led by Deb Mukherji, former Indian high commission to Bangladesh, while Prof. Rehman Sobhan led the Bangladesh civil society group.

Communication Minister Nazmul Huda chaired the meeting. He observed that fruitful discussion could be held on the sidelines of the upcoming SAARC summit in Dhaka.

He said Bangladesh is working on developing the proposed Transasian railways and highways. He also stressed the need for increasing export-import trade with neighbouring Nepal and Bhutan.

The meeting observed that to materialise the investment proposal of Tata group, both countries require an improvement in rail lines.

The Indian delegation proposed development of rail lines from Shialdah station in Kolkata up to Joydevepur, crossing the Jamuna bridge. They observed that a railway line could also be drawn from Bogra-jamtoil and Hawra for cargo and passenger services.

The acceleration of Chittagong port would bring huge economic benefit to Bangladesh, the Indian side observed.