Bangladesh proposes use of two ports to India

Dhaka – Bangladesh has proposed that India make Chattogram and Sylhet its most important ports. Formerly known as Chittagong, the port of Chattogram is strategically very important for India. Therefore, this proposal coming from Bangladesh is welcoming for India. A local newspaper reported that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made this proposal while discussing it with Indian analysts.

Two days ago, a 131 km long fuel pipeline was inaugurated between India and Bangladesh. India will supply about 1 million tonnes of diesel through this pipeline to Bangladesh annually. It will greatly benefit the northern part of Bangladesh and reduce transportation costs. Therefore, this ₹3,77 crore project will greatly contribute to Bangladesh’s fuel security. Following this, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh proposed to India regarding its two strategic ports.

Among these, the port of Chattogram has more strategic importance as it is very close to the northeastern part of India. It will further increase the connectivity between India and Bangladesh. News regarding it was published in a Bangladeshi newspaper called ‘Dhaka Tribune’. Ram Madhav, the founder of the think tank India Foundation, met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Dhaka Tribune said that Prime Minister Hasina gave this proposal in the discussion held at this time.

India will likely accept this proposal. Over the past few years, China has shown special interest in developing ports in Bangladesh and other infrastructure development projects. But considering China’s predatory economy, Bangladesh had decided to be wary of Chinese investment. At the same rate, the government of Bangladesh has shown wisdom by increasing its cooperation with India. Economists claim that both countries are preparing to trade in their currencies, and the economies of both countries will benefit greatly from this.

Against this background, it seems that Bangladesh is trying to broaden its cooperation with India by proposing the development of Chattogram and Sylhet ports.

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