Relations with the new government will be stronger after the elections

Coming to visit the four-country Banglabandha Land Port located in Tetulia, Panchagarh, Shipping Advisor Brigadier General (Retd.) M. Sakhawat Hossain said that he hopes that the new government formed after the upcoming elections will improve Bangladesh's relations with neighboring countries. At the same time, he said that to ensure real change in the country, the people must vote 'yes' so that the mistakes of the past are not repeated, which is very important.

He said these things while talking to reporters after visiting Banglabandha Land Port and Immigration Checkpost on Tuesday (January 20) afternoon. Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Kazi Md. Sayemuzzaman, Superintendent of Police Rabiul Islam and senior officials of various departments were present at the time.

The shipping advisor said that the new government that will take charge after the upcoming elections will improve regional and bilateral relations. He expressed hope that the current limited problems or complications will be gradually resolved and mutual cooperation will be further strengthened.

In response to a question from journalists, M. Sakhawat Hossain highlighted the geopolitical reality of the subcontinent and said that the nature of relations with each country is different. The relationship with China is the same, while the reality is different with neighboring countries. He said that it is not realistic to go from Bangladesh to China directly by road; in that case, the route of Nepal or Bhutan will have to be used. However, if Nepal and Bhutan want to take advantage of the port, there is an opportunity to establish a connection with Mongla Port.

Regarding the activities of the land port, he said that the Banglabandha land port is fully operational. Stone import has not stopped; stones are coming regularly from India, Nepal and Bhutan. As a result, no problem has arisen for stone traders yet. However, he admitted that passenger traffic has decreased somewhat.

He further said that the decrease in passenger traffic is not only seen in Banglabandha, but also in the entire country. He mentioned the fact that India has been issuing fewer visas for various reasons as the main reason for this. Since Indian visas are limited, visa issuance from Bangladesh has also naturally decreased.

After the visit, the advisor expressed hope that if political stability and regional cooperation increase in the coming days, Banglabandha land port will play a more important role in the country's trade and communication.