Bangladesh is a fertile delta criss-crossed by many small and large river, canal and water bodies. The history of rivers is not just for 45 years, its witnessing this region since the million years before when the land was formed. Having the Everest on the north and the Bay of Bengal at its south, this is a land geographical importance since the time of Silk Route trade back in the time of Hun Dynasty (207 BC). During the Mughal period business through sea route became more popular. Large wooden-sized boats were vital medium for business. In the 18th Century the British came to this region to establish colony, trade, slavery and acquire wealths with the help of sea route. Beside sea route, the British also constructed rail tracks and roads to benefit themselves. However, sea route remained the most essential and cost-effective medium of transport. Sea route was not limited for communication and transportation, it also influenced many poets and writers to write many historical poetries and literatures.
Transportation via hill tracts situated on the north is challenging as well as costly whereas in the south it is safe, cost-effective and easy to use through Bay of Bengal. As a result, Bangladesh found is its own alternative for a convenient way of connectivity.
At present time Bangladesh wants to utilize this opportunity even better. Awami League government looked into this potential with deep interest and wants to establish multiple contracts with neighboring countries for better use of sea route and port movement. Thus sea route has become vital in terms of local business expansion. Bangladesh wants to materialize these new dimensions of connectivities and held her to become a moderate-income country within 2021 and a developed country within 2041.
Partition of Indian Subcontinent
In 1947, when, the British finally left India after a very long regime, they also managed to divide the subcontinent into two independent nation states India and Pakistan (East & West). In religious sight two nations has been created. But right after the partition, East Pakistan realized that these religious sights can’t bring equal rights and prosperity for both the parts of Pakistan.
For the rights, prosperity and freedom of the people of Bengal (East Pakistan), Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman called six point movements. It was for greater autonomy of East Pakistan. This movement was put forward by a coalition of Bengali nationalist political parties in 1966 to end the perceived exploitation of East Pakistan by the West Pakistani rulers.
Six points for a better Bengal
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman demanded that the constitution should provide a Federation of Pakistan in its true sense based on the Lahore Resolution and the parliamentary form of government should be formed with supremacy of a legislature directly elected by the people on the basis of adult franchise. The federal government should deal with only two subjects, which is Defense and Foreign Affairs whereas all other residual subjects should be vested in the federating states. Two separate, but freely convertible currencies for two wings should be introduced. If this is not feasible, there should be one currency for the whole country, but effective constitutional provisions should be introduced to stop the flight of capital from East to West Pakistan. Furthermore, a separate banking reserve should be established and separate fiscal and monetary policy be adopted for East Pakistan.
The power of taxation and revenue collection should be vested in the federating units and the federal center would have no such power. The federation would be entitled to a share in the state taxes to meet its expenditures. There should be two separate accounts for the foreign exchange earnings of the two wings. The foreign exchange requirements of the federal government should be met by the two wings equally or in a ratio to be fixed. Indigenous products should move free of duty between the two wings and the constitution should empower the units to establish trade links with foreign countries. And lastly East Pakistan should have a separate military or paramilitary force and Navy headquarters should be in East Pakistan.
Birth of a nation with a dream
But West Pakistan rulers failed to address the demands of East Pakistan and West Pakistani military junta launched Operation Searchlight against the people of East Pakistan on the night of 25 March 1971. And war of independence began. After 9 months of war Bangladesh was born as a new nation.
After the independence there was no confidence on the newborn Bangladesh. This nation was compared to a bottomless basket. But because of strong vision and leadership of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh was confident enough to believe that this nation is going to be the ‘Sonar Bangla’ and going to be a vital part for world politics and connectivity as well. He recognized the potentials and geopolitical importance of this land. Immediately after the independence he made an agreement with India in 1972 regarding transit-transshipment Protocol on Inland water trade and transit (PIWTT). Through PIWTT Bangladesh began to open its door of a new era to get connected in the economic hub.
Legacy regained and continues
Now again under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after an landslide victory in 2009, Bangladesh took all out efforts to utilize its geographical potentials. So the government aimed to renew the PIWTT with India to facilitate Bhutan and Nepal to use sea ports, inland waterway, road and railway of Bangladesh. With this vision, Bangladesh already conducted few bilateral and multilateral agreements with its neighbors. Like Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal agreed to transport good, services and passenger’s treaty known as BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreements. Also a treaty on coastal shipping is already operational and similar pact is in under process with neighboring Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Not only with bordering neighbors, Bangladesh also eying to connect with Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN) economic forum. These moves not only yield benefit for Bangladesh economically but also can deepen the bilateral relationships to these countries.
Challenges and opportunity by the MOS
Ministry of Shipping, Bangladesh (MOS) is at the helm to drive all these opportunities to exploit the potentials and increase the geopolitical importance of Bangladesh. Hence to facilitate and ensure smooth connectivity, MOS under the guidance of honorable Shipping Minister Md. Shajahan Khan MP is working hard with its twelve departments. Each department has its important role to play to achieve Vision 2021 and 2041. Now the challenges for MOS are to build and maintain the infrastructure to facilitate communication. As rivers of this region are heavily silted and experience low draft round the years apart from the monsoon and a number of rivers are dead or dying MOS has taken a number of measures to address these issues. To maintain the existing navigable waterways and for increase drafts into dead or dying rivers MOS recently adopted around 3,200 core taka capital dredging project. MOS Also adopted a few projects to breathe life into channels, canals as well as development of new channels and canals. Alongside other important infrastructures like night navigation, establishing international and inland ports, increased bunkering, increased security and other need full facilities are being underway by the guidance of MOS.
Coastal shipping, Inland water transportation, transit-transshipment
Various organizations under the MOS are actively looking into the contemporary issues and playing their vital roles within their jurisdiction. All these organizations are thriving to achieve their goals and trying to reach the objectives.
BIWTA
Under MOS, Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) playing vital role to facilitate the connectivity. BIWTA is the competent authority of Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT). BIWTA is the authority to develop, maintain and control of inland water transport and of certain inland navigable waterways. On 31st October 1958, the then East Pakistan Government promulgated an ordinance called the East Pakistan Inland Water Transport Authority Ordinance 1958. After independence PIWTA constituted to BIWTA.
Bangladesh has about 24,000 km of rivers, streams and canals that together cover about 7% of the country’s surface. Most part of the country is linked by a complex network of waterways which reaches its extensive size in the monsoon period. Out of 24,000 km of riverine route, only about 5,968 km is navigable by mechanized vessels during monsoon period which shrinks to about 3,865 km during dry period. The IWT sector carries over 50% of all arterial freight traffic and one quarter of all passenger traffic.
The main function of BIWTA is the fixation of maximum and minimum fares and freight rates for Inland Water Transport on behalf of the Government, approve time tables for passenger launch services, inspection of ships, cargo and inland vessels to ensure compliance with the provision of ISO1976, act as the competent authority of PIWTT looking after the use of waterways of Bangladesh on behalf of the government for the purpose of trade and transit between Bangladesh and India as provided in the protocol.
Now BABITA carrying a good number of projects to draw up programs of dredging requirements and priorities for efficient maintenance of existing navigable waterways and for resuscitation of dead or dying rivers, channels, or canals, including development of new channels and canals for navigation.
Port Authorities
All the sea ports are administered under the MOS. Ports are operating as independent authorities and playing a vital role in the trade and commerce of the national sector. The sea ports are the gateways to the trading world for Bangladesh.
Ports are important crystallization points for maritime economic activities, whether cruise shipping, coastal shipping, international shipping, passenger ferries, fishing, marine mineral mining, oil drilling, offshore or maritime monitoring, they all require ports and ports infrastructure.
Blue Economy offers a suite of opportunities for sustainable, clean, equitable blue growth in both traditional and emerging sectors. After peaceful resolve of demarcation on maritime boundary with India and Myanmar, Bangladesh own its sovereign rights on 1118,813 Sq Km of water extending up to 12 nautical miles of territorial sea and a further exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles into the high sea. To acquire the prospect of blue economy ports can be used by different economic activities and is a fine example of synergy.
Now Bangladesh’s economy is booming. Considering as next Asian Tiger’ and most favorite destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). And Bangladesh is getting ready to face upcoming challenges to grab every opportunities face by face. This port has same potentials and prospects as it has before. More than 90 percent export-import now and then takes place through this port. As world is considering Bangladesh as regional economic hub and the importance of this country rising more day by day. Bangladesh is preparing herself to get in to action for being with the course. Rather depending only on two sea ports in Chittagong and Mongla. Bangladesh Government led by Awami League dreamed for more sea ports named Payra and Matarbari deep sea port. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina officially inaugurated countries third port Payra Port in August this year. Construction of Payra port started in 2013 which may involve an overall expenditure of more than Tk 11 billion and it will be fully operational by 2018. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is working in to build Matarbari deep sea port. Through all these ports expected to boost the country’s exports and imports as well as connecting to the hinterland through river routes. Also it’s going to contribute a crucial role for linking this region.
BLPA
Bangladesh Land Port Authority is facilitating export-import through land route under the MOS. About 4096 kilometer border line is shared between Bangladesh and India. This is the fifth-longest land border in the world. And with Myanmar, Bangladesh share about 271 kilometer of land border of which around 150 kilometer lie in the hilly areas. In this land boundaries Bangladesh have 22 land port stations around the border. Now these land port not only facilitate the export-import, but also contributing toward transit and transshipment based on the mutual agreement between Bangladesh and India.
Bangladesh is now already one step ahead towards BCIM-EC and to get connected with ASEAN region. This new venture will create a new era for the connectivity between east and west. This will also help us achieving `Vision 2021 and 2041′. To facilitate and to achieve the targeted goal, Bangladesh Land Port Authority developing the infrastructure at these stations. Creating efficiency for cargo handling, building cargo space with improved storage facilities and to deliver better and effective service BLPA fostering public-private partnerships.
Bangladesh Land Port Authority is proactive to formulate policy for development, management expansion, operation and maintenance of all land ports on behalf of Ministry of Shipping Bangladesh. They are engaged to operators for receiving, maintaining and dispatching cargoes at land ports. Also responsible for preparing schedule of tariffs, tolls, rates and fees chargeable to the port users having prior approval of the government. They are also responsible to execute contracts with any person to fulfill the objectives of the Act as well.
DOS
Coastal shipping is a new aspect to get connected with neighboring countries. The Department of Shipping (DOS) is the competent authority for transportation of goods and services through coastal shipping. DOS is an agency under the MOS. It is the maritime safety administration of Bangladesh responsible for the formulation and implementation of the national policies and legislations to ensure the safety of life and ships at sea, development of shipping industry, maritime education and certification, employment and welfare of seafarers and other shipping related matters. The department is also responsible for ensuring the compliance of international conventions relating to maritime matters. Already with India, DOS have an agreement of coastal shipping. Same agreements are underway with Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
The Department of Shipping was established in 1976. As a regulatory body, its functions are administered in accordance with two main legal instruments: The Bangladesh Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1983 and The Inland Shipping Ordinance 1976. DOS established with a vision to be an effective and efficient maritime administration transforming Bangladesh into a globally competitive maritime nation. Also its mission to achieve sustainable, safe and secure shipping, cleaner oceans and enhanced maritime capability through effective regulation, coordination and oversight of maritime affairs.
Before independence of Bangladesh an organization called “Controller of Shipping” was looking after the international shipping activities. On the other hand, “Navigation Directorate” was responsible for the affairs of inland shipping. Besides these, there were “Seaman Training Center” to produce seafarers, “Government Shipping Office” for arranging jobs for seafarers, “Directorate of Seamen Welfare and Immigration” for ensuring welfare activities of seafarers and “Mercantile Marine Department” to perform the duty of statutory requirement of the merchant shipping.
After independence of Bangladesh, considering the importance of shipping, in order to further streamline the sector to meet global standard and with a view of achieving safe and secure shipping, the “Directorate of Shipping” under Ports, Shipping and IWT Division of the Communication Ministry was formed. In 1976, the Department of Shipping came into existence by merging the Directorate of Shipping and the Controller of Shipping. Since then the Department of Shipping is functioning as the maritime safety administration of Bangladesh and the international focal point of maritime affairs.
BIWTC
Another important authority dealing with inland water transportation is Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC). BIWTC was established in 1972 under the Presidential Order (P.O.) No.28. To ensure efficient ferry services for smooth and uninterrupted road communication BIWTC functioning hard. Also to operate safe transportation of passengers and cargo between main land and off-shore islands as well. To provide safe passenger and cargo transportation in inland and coastal waterways BIWTC playing an important role under MOS.
Vision of BIWTC is to transform BIWTC into an efficient, standard and time-be-fitting organization by providing cheapest, safe, efficient and speedy transportation of passengers and vehicles with improved and modern vessels in the inland and coastal waterways. Also working with the vision to contribute in the economic activities and to play significant role in implementing the objectives of poverty reduction strategic paper and Millennium Development Goal (MDG).
BSC
Another vital organization under the MOS is Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC). BSC is to provide safe and efficient shipping services on international routes and carry out all forms of activities connected with or ancillary to shipping, Thereby contributing to the national development.
To facilitate better maritime transportation under way to procure 16 vessels from China. Six of which will be mother bulk carriers and 10 lighter bulk carriers. BSC formed in 1972. Following the inception of the BSC, it procured two vessels ‘Banglar Dut’ and ‘Banglar Sampad’ in June 1972. A total of 38 vessels were procured within 29 months since the BSC was formed.
Connectivity is the prime focus
Earlier, trade between India and Bangladesh was costly and time consuming. Commodities were first sent to Singapore and Colombo seaports owing to the non-profitability for the cargoes in big vessels to ply between the sea ports of Bangladesh and India. The entire process took around 30-40 days to send back the supplies in smaller vessels to India and Bangladesh ports. This was increasing the transportation costs and time. There were requirements of smaller vessels to connect to sea ports of India and Bangladesh. Coastal shipping agreement has facilitated the regular plying of vessels. This in turn has reduced the cost and transportation time to approximately ten days. Competitive cargo rates will be beneficial and will assist in improving the infrastructure of sea ports connect to remote areas, among other benefits.
Above is an example how a dynamic mechanism can reduce time and cost to trade as Coastal Shipping agreements did. For that Bangladesh’s own prosperity, connectivity gets top priority by the Government of Bangladesh. Government’s focus is on connectivity for transforming the country into a regional hub for trades and commerce. Bangladesh is keen to enhance connectivity not just only with neighbor, but also with other countries in South Asia and the regions beyond. Indeed, Bangladesh is an important medium for ‘Look East’ Policy.
