by AJAY BANERJEE
In major development, India’s eastern neighbour Bangladesh has finally agreed to start the construction of a highway that will not only provide transit facilities, ensuring easy movement of goods, but also drastically shorten the circuitous route — crucial from the military point of view — between northeastern states and the port city of Kolkata.
Sources said Bangladesh has promised to start the construction work in the next few weeks. The project — to be primarily financed by India — is part of the larger Asian Highway network project connecting the Asian nations. The highway project between India and Bangladesh had been hanging fire for more than five years, with Dhaka stalling it for one reason or the other — primarily due to pressure from Pakistan and China.
The Tribune for more
(Thanks to Pritam Rohila)