FROM PAGE B1

agreement wing of the commerce ministry, also admits that the transit facility would bring positive benefits to Bangladesh.

“But the offer has to be analysed by the government as many issues are involved.”

The Indian offer is, however, nothing new since it has been stated in the documents of the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal Motor Vehicle Agreement.

The pact is yet to be finalised as the Bhutanese parliament has expressed reservations, while Nepal is also showing apathy in signing the deal, said Raihan, a professor of the Department of Economics at the University of Dhaka.

The economist thinks if two members of the BBIN agree on the free movement of vehicles, other members will also feel encouraged in activating the deal for greater regional trade.

Bangladesh already allows the transshipment of goods from India’s mainland to its northeastern states. Recently, the trial runs for the transshipment of containers from the neighbouring country took place using Mongla and Chattogram ports.

Turning India’s offer into reality will not be without challenges.

“A lot of coordination and cooperation is required among the ministries, the tax administration, and many other government agencies,” Prof Raihan said.

Dhaka has already requested rail connectivity with Bhutan through the newly inaugurated Chilahati-Haldibari route. New Delhi has agreed to consider the request.

In order to make the route and cross-border rail links viable, India has urged Bangladesh to remove port restrictions, the joint statement also said.