India to supply fuel to Bangladesh

Agartala, May 08: In a bid to improve Indo-Bangla relation, the Union government has agreed to support Bangladesh with supplying 1.20 lakh mt fuel from Numaligarh refinery in Asom on demand.

Talking to newsmen here today, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pinak Ranjan Chakraborty said sometimes Bangladesh faced serious fuel shortage and had to import petroleum from other countries at high price.

" Since Bangladesh is our good neighbour, India has made commitment to supply fuel as and when required and expressed willingness to extend cooperation in the energy sector, " Mr Chakraborty said.

He had also stated that India was all set to start direct bus service between Agartala and Kolkata via Dhaka and expectedly the matter would be finalised by next couple of months.

India was keen on improving bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Northeastern states, and as part of the initiative Mr Chakraborty had been visiting the bordering states of India and had already visited West Bengal and Asom.

Mr Chakraborty reached here on May six on a three-day visit and he held meeting with Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Industry Minister Tapan Chakraborty and Transport Minister Manik Dey yesterday.

Meanwhile, during meeting with Mr Chakraborty, Mr Sarkar stressed on the need for constructing a bridge over the Feni River in south Tripura to set up a permanent communication with Chittagong port and allowing the Northeastern states to use it.

He had also urged the Indian diplomat to take initiative to improve trade relation between India and Bangladesh as well as reduce non-tariff barrier and other contentious issues related to bilateral trade and commerce.

UNI