Govt steps not transparent

A noted economist yesterday said the issue of providing transit to neighbouring countries such as India should be seen from the national perspective by bringing all the stakeholders on board.
But the government activities lack transparency due to a dearth of inclusion of other stakeholders in the process, said Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow of Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
"Opening up Bangladesh for transit facilities will have far reaching implication," he said.
"In order to have optimal and sustainable benefit from national perspective, we will have to reach out to the people along with the businessmen, experts and politicians," said Bhattacharya.
His remarks came at a dialogue on transit or transhipment for India.
The International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh (ICCB) and The Daily Star organised the discussion at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel.
The CPD distinguished fellow termed the process of negotiation as fragmented and called upon policymakers to consider economic aspects instead of politics.
"Politics seems to be overriding the economic issues," said the CPD economist. "Good economics is good politics."
He also said policies also suffer from incoherent sequencing.
Bhattacharya said there is too much hurry on the government's part to provide transit.
"Short-term view is dominating with the rush of providing transit facilities. It affects long-term prospects."
Citing fragmented approach or focus on individual mode of transport, he said there is a need of a holistic approach "It should be seen on a multi-modal basis," said Bhattacharya.
He also suggested integrated approach involving the relevant agencies of the government in the process.
"A single government entity is taking the lead without full participation of the relevant parts of the government."
He said the issue of transit is not simple. "It is much more complex and deeper," he said, stressing four issues the first one being a legal framework providing the basis for a comprehensive transit treaty.
Other points he mentioned include taking a comprehensive approach for developing multi-modal transport, and determining fees and charges based on financial, economic and environmental costs.
"Initially, we had an understanding that we are going for giving transit facilities with a comprehensive framework," he said.
But the issue of a comprehensive deal was put aside based on the 1972 water transit protocol, said the CPD distinguished fellow.
"It did not presuppose Bangladesh's emerging as a modern transit country, hence it is antiquated, moribund and inadequate," said Bhattacharya.
Bhattacharya said, since there was no legal framework, a regulatory framework could not be effective although it was necessary to prepare rules and procedures regulating the movement of goods vehicles.
On infrastructure, he said Bangladesh will require investing $7 billion for developing multimodal infrastructure.
He blamed the government for a fragmented approach and negotiation based on individual mode of transport such as waterways.
On fees and charges, he said, under the WTO (world Trade organisation) rules, there is scope of charging fees.
He said fees and charges should also include social and environmental costs such as the cost of a farmer who will lose his land for building infrastructure, and the impact on environment.