Mongla and Chittagong port opened.

 

Regular transit routes have been opened at the ports of Chittagong and Mongla.

 

Using the ports of Chittagong and Mongla, the country has opened up regular transportation routes to the northeastern states of India from its main territory. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) issued a permanent order on Monday, which provided detailed information about the process.

Now, it is essential to consider how the opportunity to import and export goods between Bangladesh and third countries using India's land with Nepal and Bhutan can be utilized. Mustafizur Rahman, a special fellow at CPD, said this.

The loading and unloading of containers at the two ports present an opportunity for revenue, as does the transportation of Indian goods through shipping agents, transit operators, and container transport. Domestic transportation could also generate income in this process.

Last September, a container carrying goods from Sylhet's Sheola Land Port to India's Assam was transported through Chittagong port, and the concerned authorities found that customs, port, and road departments earned a total of BDT 28,935 from that shipment. In addition to that, private accounts have earned nearly BDT 1,72,000 from the transportation of goods through sea and road routes from Kolkata port to Chittagong port and then to India using the same container. With the new order, the government revenue from escort fees will increase further.

According to Mostafizur Rahman, a fellow researcher at the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD), the amount of cargo in a container and the cost of ship chartering depends on the implementation of the new NR order. There has been significant progress in the implementation of transit agreements due to the new NR order. The transportation sector has become a significant source of revenue for the government in terms of transit goods. It is essential to consider the business of importing goods from India to Bangladesh by ship. He further stated that it is necessary to ensure the expansion of port facilities and services. If good service is provided, it will also increase service revenue. In summary, both parties will benefit from this.