Ban on export of minerals: Construction work suffers in Bangladesh

SHILLONG: The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industries on Monday said construction of the Padma bridge in Bangladesh has been hampered due to the ban on export of limestone, coal and stones from Meghalaya.
“Something is happening in the Indian side that has stopped totally the export of these products from Dawki; it is not just the Padma bridge because we are not getting enough stones, even the brick kilns are suffering as there is not enough coal,” informed Matlub Ahmed, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industries.
He, however, cautioned that Bangladesh will manage to import the materials from countries like Vietnam, China, Bhutan and others, but it would    be a serious setback for Meghalaya considering that the economy of the State will be in trouble in the long run if the issue is not resolved.
“The huge business prospects of this region will be diminished,” he added.
In this connection, Ahmed appealed to the Meghalaya government to address the matter in order to increase the State’s foreign exchequer and for the people of both countries to remain engaged and expand their business.
“The infrastructure in Bangladesh is hampered and the long run may lead to strained Indo-Bangladesh relations,” he observed.
He further informed that Bangladesh was looking for partners to invest in the pharmaceutical industry, fresh fruit, and said, “We are looking more at investment rather than trading.”