Cargo ships are operating between Bangladesh and India under the Protocol for Inland Water Trade & Transit (PIWT&T). These ships carry a variety of goods, including fly ash. Most of the ships plying between the two countries are owned by Bangladesh. Now steps have been taken for tourist travels. This will enable passengers to travel effortlessly on the two countries’ waterways.
State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said the Bangladesh-India Protocol for Inland Water Trade & Transit was signed by Bangabandhu on 1 November 1972. Since then, goods have been transported between the two countries. This is reducing the pressure on the road. Now tourists can go by boat. The passenger cruise ship could not be fully launched due to COVID-19. If the situation returns to normal, tourists will be able to go by boat. In this way, opportunities will be created for tourists to travel by water to other neighbouring countries, including India.
Protocol for Inland Water Trade & Transit has been playing an important role in enhancing maritime communication between the two countries. Special attention has recently been paid to strengthening inland shipping by increasing inland waterways and ports of call. As part of this, initiatives have been taken to launch passenger shipping or tourist shipping services between the two countries. A MoU and SOP titled Passenger and Cruise Services on the Coastal and Protocol Routes have been signed. The ship has already been given permission. Both countries have 10 designated waterways for commercial cargo shipping.
Following the trade agreement signed between the Government of Bangladesh and India, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the then Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi signed the Bangladesh-India Protocol for Inland Water Trade & Transit on 1 November 1972. The Protocol has been in effect since 1972 through bilateral meetings and renewals.
