Reopen Chilahati to boost trade with 3 countries
A human chain was formed on Nilphamari-Saidpur road yesterday demanding reopening of Chilahati land port.
Organised by Nilphamari Chamber of Commerce and Industry, several hundred people from different professions joined the programme that lasted for an hour from 11:30am.
Local people and traders have raised the demand as Bangladesh Railway is considering reopening Chilahati- Holdibari (Kunchbihar) rail route to facilitate Nepal's external trade through Mongla Port.
Addressing a rally at the venue, the speakers quoted sources and newspapers reports as saying that Bangladesh is desirous of allowing Nepal to do its external trade through sea ports. In that context, Bangladesh Railway (BR) is also working to find out the most convenient route for rail transit to Nepal via India as it (India) has responded positively. Chilahati- Holdibari rail transit route, which was closed in 1965, would be most suitable for this purpose, they said.
If the rail route is reopened, it will pave the way for reactivating the Chilahati land port, the speakers said.
They said Chilahati land port will also help boost trade with seven sisters of India alongside Nepal and Bhutan. The investors from Indian seven sisters and also from Nepal and Bhutan will come forward to invest in Uttara Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Nilphamari district using this land port and Chilahati- Holdibari rail route, they added.
They also demanded immediate re opening of Darwani Textile Mills.
Chaired by Chamber President Abdul Wahed Sarker, the rally was addressed, among others, by Sadar Upazila Chairman Joinal Abedin, Domar Upazila Chairman Abdur Razzak Bosunia, Muktijoddha Shangsad district unit President Fazlul Haque, BMA local unit President Dr Momtazul Islam Mintu and Nilphamari Bar Association President advocate Abdul Wahed Chowdhury.
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