Desk Reporter – Kazi Ganiur Rahman
Dhaka: The Government of Bangladesh has proposed that Bhutan use the Pangao Inland Container Terminal as part of efforts to strengthen regional trade and connectivity in South Asia.
According to relevant sources, providing Bhutan—an inland country—with access to Bangladesh’s port facilities could make bilateral trade easier and enhance regional logistics connectivity.
At present, Bhutan largely depends on ports in India for maritime trade. However, if Bhutan gains access to Bangladeshi ports, the transportation process for goods could become faster and more cost-effective. At the same time, Bangladesh could benefit from additional revenue through transit and logistics services.
Located on the banks of the Buriganga River near Dhaka, the Pangao Inland Container Terminal was launched in 2013. It is the country’s first river-based container terminal, established primarily to facilitate easier and more efficient cargo transportation for industrial and commercial areas in the capital.
The terminal has an annual container handling capacity of more than 100,000 TEUs, making it an important component of Bangladesh’s logistics infrastructure.
Policy analysts believe that allowing Bhutan to use Pangao Port could elevate Bangladesh’s logistics infrastructure to a more significant regional position. It could also strengthen trade cooperation and connectivity among South Asian countries.
Earlier, Bhutan conducted a trial shipment using Bangladeshi territory for cargo transportation. A consignment imported from Thailand arrived at Chattogram Port and was transported by road through the Burimari Land Port before reaching Bhutan.
Officials stated that if such transit operations continue to prove successful, regular cargo transportation for Bhutan through Bangladesh could become a viable option in the future.
According to analysts, providing port access to a landlocked country like Bhutan could create new opportunities for regional trade and connectivity. It may also encourage increased investment and revenue generation in Bangladesh’s port, transportation, and logistics sectors.
Source: Bangladesh Times
