BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

Outline

REGIONAL TRANSPORT CONNECTIVITY: OPPORTUNITIES FOR BANGLADESH

Author: M. Rahmatullah

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2010v31n1a3

ABSTRACT

The integrated transport infrastructure which South Asia inherited from the - British got fractured initially by the partition of India, and subsequently by its political aftermath and needs to be rebuilt within the context of greater political harmony which exists now in South Asia. This integration is especially crucial to countries such as Nepal and Bhutan and the regions such as North East India, as this could serve to end their landlocked or semi-isolated status and provide shorter transport and transit access to sea ports. To establish a case for regional transport connectivity in South Asia, the paper made an analysis of the present state of transport connectivity, as well as of the consequences of non-cooperation in transport. An assessment was also made of the various opportunities that Bangladesh has, and an analysis was made of the benefit it'could derive if these opportunities are appropriately utilized. Based on SAARC Regional Multimodal Transport Study (SRMTS), the author identified a few strategic routes which, if implemented, could bring a revolutionary change in the regional connectivity among the countries in the North-eastern sub-region of South Asia. Finally, the paper concluded that the cost of non-cooperation being very high, it would be beneficial for all the concerned countries to go for regional transport connectivity at the earliest. It was, however, pointed out that issues related to regional connectivity and transit cannot be resolved in isolation. It needs to be considered together with other unresolved issues, in the areas of water sharing, environment, marine boundary, etc. What is needed for a long lasting solution is the political will and commitment of the Jeaders of the Northeastern sub-region of South Asia, who should sit together with an open mind to resolve various issues through reciprocity.

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