SHILLONG: Connectivity was the thrust word in taking the ambitious step to establish better relations between Bangladesh and Northeast India.
Bangladesh Assistant High Commissioner to India, Shah Mohammad Tanvir Monsur focused on air, rail and road connectivity from the neighboring country to Northeast in his speech at the One- Day Workshop on Responsible Tourism was held at the State Convention Centre, Pinewood Hotel in the city on Monday.
The workshop was co-hosted by the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya and Outlook Responsible Tourism, and supported by North Eastern Council, the workshop was inaugurated by Meghalaya Home Minister, James Sangma.
“From next month Civil Aviation Ministry of India is going to launch a direct flight from Guwahati to Dhaka,” he said adding the development will enhance people-to -people connectivity and boost tourism.
Speaking about river connectivity, he said Bangladesh government was working on river connectivity presently and dredging activity was going on in full swing.
“The Government of India has extended a line of credit to the tune of USD 7 billion and under the line of credit, the Government of Bangladesh is also establishing connectivity between Bangladesh and NE of India via rail links,” he said.
He added that efforts were on to establish rail connectivity between North East and Bangladesh.
Monsur observed that the once the connectivity projects are done, the North East traders can carry out their international trades to the sea-ports of Bangladesh.
He sees the connectivity projects as activities that will bridge the gap between the people of Bangladesh and North East India from an economic and trade prospective.
Monsur informed that for the last two years, Shillong and Guwahati is becoming a connecting hub of South Asia and East Asia nations.
He added that Bangladesh will put efforts to enhance general business tourism, academic tourism, medical tourism, religious tourism, archeological tourism.
“I am issuing 150 visas everyday and I am sure from next month the number of visa to be issued will be 400 because of lack of air flight many people do not travel from Bangladesh to North East India,” Monsur said.
He added, “After the flight is launch I am sure the number of visa issued will be increased by three times.”
He assured to finance for opening a website and publish a business directory.
On the other hand, Monsur lauded the Home Minister for ensuring Meghalaya becomes an abode of peace pointing out that no skirmishes or conflicts take place, terming the state as “very disciplined.”
Speaking about Meghalaya and its natural beauty, he said, “I am very envious of the people of Meghalaya that you are very lucky that you are the son of the soil of Meghalaya.”
