Country to become economically prosperous if use of Ctg port allowed thru transit: Faruk Khan

By AKM Moinuddin

Chittagong, Oct 27 (UNB) – Commerce Minister Faruk Khan said here on Wednesday that transit facilities to the neighboring countries would have to be given to ensure proper utilization of Chittagong seaport and accelerated growth of country’s economy.
“The government is working on the infrastructure development of roads, railway and river-ways. Transit facilities will have to be given to the neighboring countries for proper utilization of Chittagong port and country’s economic growth,” he said at a seminar in the port city.
Suchinta Foundation, a social organization, arranged the seminar titled ‘Regional Cooperation: Transit Deal and Its Impact on Bangladesh’s Economy’ at the Chittagong Press Club auditorium with its executive director MA Arafat in the chair.
The Commerce Minister said if the neighboring countries are given the facility of using Chittagong port through transit, Bangladesh and its people will be equally benefited.
He alleged that opposition BNP had provided all-possible facilities to India when they were in power but could bring nothing for the country.
“Now, BNP is creating confusion among countrymen against India capitalizing on the transit issue. Transit doesn’t mean the country is being sold out,” he said urging the BNP and like-minded parties to “shun the nasty politics.”
Faruk Khan said that trade relations with China, Myanmar and the northeastern states of India would be accelerated through transit.
He called upon the youths to work for the socioeconomic development of the country and to bring about changes in the destructive political culture.
Shamshul Haque Chowdhury MP, Metropolitan Chamber president Abdus Salam and Chittagong Press Club President Abu Sufian, among others, took part in the discussion.
END/UNB/