To increase trade with its neighbouring countries at a sub-regional level, Bangladesh will upgrade three land ports--Akhaura, Sonamasjid and Tamabil-- to international standards, according to a plan made by Bangladesh Land Port Authority. The initiative is part of the South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Integrated Trade Facilitation Sector Development project. 

The total proposed cost of the project is Tk. 217.30 crore. Of the amount, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide a loan of Tk 187 crore, while the rest of the money will be paid from the government treasury, UNI news agency said. 

Rafiq Ahmed Siddique, Joint Secretary (Planning), Ministry of Shipping, said: "Akhaura, Sonamasjid and Tamabil land ports can play an important role in expanding trade and commerce in the country. That is why the three land ports will be upgraded to international standards. ADB will give us loan on easy terms. We have prepared the DPP (Development Project Proposal) of the project and sent it to the Planning Commission.

According to Bangladesh Land Port Authority, there are Border Crossing Point (BCP) at 24 places on the Indo-Myanmar border with Bangladesh. The government is going to take up the project with ADB funding for integrated infrastructural development in BCPs of Bangladesh.

The government has declared 24 customs stations as land ports for conducting import-export activities by land route with India and Myanmar. Three of these are more important. Imports and exports with India are currently going on through these land ports.

Akhaura land port of Brahmanbaria is one of the gateways to seven northeastern states of India, including Tripura, Assam and Meghalaya. Every day about 42 Bangladeshi products, including fish, stone, cement, bricks, sand, dry goods, plastics, cotton are exported to India through this land port.

Sonamasjid land port at Chapainawabganj is one of the important contributors to the expansion of trade and commerce in the country. Fruits, coal, stones, spices and agricultural products are imported through this land port throughout the year. Hence, a market has been built up in the port area. The large gathering of people at this land port has had a positive effect on all sectors of trade and commerce.

There are also some local 'hat' (markets) and bazaars for conducting trade and commerce-related activities. At present, this land port is the second-largest land port in Bangladesh.

Limestone and boulder stone are mainly imported from India through the Tamabil land port in Sylhet. Some boulder rocks also come from Bhutan. This land port can play an important role in enhancing trade and people-to-people contacts in the northeast of India with Bangladesh, shipping ministry officials said. (SAM)