FICCI India from 2013 every year arrange “Connect North East’ in different States of North East States consecutively. This seminar encompasses 1. Road Connectivity 2. Rail Connectivity 3. Water ways connectivity 4. Air Connectivity 5. Internet Connectivity. N I Khan joined in the seminar in Tripura 2016 and Nagaland 2017.
Bangladesh is bounded by two sides by north east India Meghalaya in the north, Assam in the north East and Tripura in the East. Usually we Bangladeshi look in the west because of the historical invasion and Communication. On the other hand products of North East Indian states are mostly agricultural, Bangladesh imports those products like Zinger, Chilli, Curcuma etc. During monsoon season vegetables are in deficit Bangladesh but winter vegetables like Radish, Cabbages etc. are produced in the North East India. Because of transportation problem for hilly train and distance industrial products can not be marketed in North East Bangladesh can take this opportunity. To harness this opportunity connectivity is prerequisite.
Khan participated Connect North East-2017 held in Kohima Nagaland from 22-09-17 to 2-09-17. He spoke in two round table and mentioned that people to people connectivity is the most fundamental. Connecting people means connecting by different products. However, Road, Air, Rail, Water, Internet connectivity to be established. He mentioned, road communication from Kolkata to Agartala, Dhaka to Kolkata, Dhaka to Gowhati once dream now reality. We can open up Dhaka to Darjeeling, Dhaka to all state capitals of North East States. Bangladesh is already connected to India by rail through Gede and Petropol, very soon Agartala is going to be connected through Akhaura. A small bridge and rehabilitation of rail could open British period route Lalmonirhat to the other parts of India. Similarly, Rohonpur of Chapainobabganj could connect Murshidabad and Darjeeling to the whole of India facilitating tourist to important historical and religious sites. Bangladesh laying new rail lines from Satkhira to Dhaka via Jessore. In this line Vomra of Satkhira could be connected to Bashirhat of 24Pargana giving another degrees of freedom to visitors of India avoiding busy Benapol-Petropol.
Bangladesh was never connected with north east indian states by air. In the whole north east only Gowhati Airport is international. Bangladesh Biman can fly Dhaka-Gowhati on daily basis creating opportunity both for Indian as well Bangladeshi citizens to enjoy lush green unspoiled environment of north east. India planned to upgrade one Airport of each estate as International Airport. Bangladesh Biman can obtain permission to fly on those airports much easily and connect far east and south asian countries.
India now connected with Bangladesh by waterways only for carrying goods. Neither Bangladesh nor indian citizens can travel and emigrate by water. Both the countries open emigration station in Jamuna to facilitate inter country travel by water craft.
Bangladesh could lift her face before Indian citizens by improving border towns. Establishing Border Special Economic Zone to cater the demand on the other side of the border after proper study. Both the countries could be benefited by multimodal connectivity.
