Ramgarh land port set to open ahead of PM’s September India visit

Bangladesh and India are poised to inaugurate the operations of the Ramgarh land port ahead of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India in September, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said.

"In a bid to enhance trade and commerce ties, efforts are also underway to resume the activities of the Biral-Radhikapur land port, which was closed during the Covid-19 pandemic," he told media after a meeting with Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Pranay Verma at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

The prime minister is scheduled to visit India on 20 September to attend the G20 summit.

Aiming to facilitate direct trade and commerce, the two neighbouring nations have cooperatively constructed a Friendship Bridge over the Feni River in Ramgarh upazila of Khagrachari district, which was inaugurated by the premiers of the two countries on 9 March. 

This bridge will connect the Indian state of Tripura directly to the Chattogram seaport, marking a significant step forward in their economic collaboration. To facilitate it, Bangladesh has set up a land port here, with only immigration-related activities remaining to be started. 

State Minister Khalid Mahmud revealed that discussions have been initiated with the Home Ministry to expedite the immigration procedures.

Pranay Verma affirmed India's commitment to supporting the port's operations and mentioned India's interest in financing the dredging of the Gomti River in Bangladesh. The two nations aim to expand their river protocol collaboration further.

"India also expressed interest in establishing a bay terminal at the Payra port, along with proposals to streamline operations at the Ashuganj land port and Mongla seaport in terms of transit," the state minister said, quoting the Indian high commissioner.

He also said Bangladesh has also requested India's cooperation in introducing cruise services and facilitating visa issuance for these services. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Bangladeshi vessel crews have faced restrictions in disembarking upon arrival in India.

The Indian high commissioner highlighted discussions regarding projects under the land port, customs stations, protocol routes, and implementation of projects under the Indian Line of Credit (LoC).

In response to a question, Pranay Verma said the conversations did not touch upon political matters or electoral discussions within Bangladesh. Teesta water was also not discussed. The discussions have focused solely on enhancing cross-border connectivity.