In determining the future relations of Bangladesh with India, friendly relations and protection of national interests of both countries will be prioritized, said Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. Adviser on Shipping and Textiles and Jute. M Sakhawat Hossain. He made this comment during the meeting of India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Prannoy Verma with the adviser at the Secretariat on Wednesday (09 October 2024 AD). During this time, discussions were held between them on various developments of sea and land ports for inter-connection with India. 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. Bangladesh has been conducting international trade by sea through the sea ports of Chittagong, Mongla and Payra. For this reason sea communication with India is very important along with road communication. Various development projects are ongoing in Bangladesh with the cooperation of India. Both the countries expressed their confidence to work together in the implementation of all these people-oriented projects and in determining the future Bangladesh-India relations. He said that India-Bangladesh relations are based on cordial relations 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 Ramgarh land port of Khagrachari and Benapole land port. At this time, the advisor said, for environmental reasons, the demand for jute and jute products is increasing all over the world instead of plastic. He requested the Government of India to withdraw the anti-dumping duty imposed by India on jute and jute products. Sakhawat Hussain 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.