Biratnagar: “My country is determined to develop its bilateral trade with Nepal for mutual benefits. The governments of both the nations have to take some concrete measures and decisions in this regard”, divulged Bangladesh Ambassador Cyril Sikder in Kakarbhitta last Friday the moment he entered the Nepalese territory via India from Dhaka.

This is the first ever trip of a sitting B’desh Ambassador who chose to use land-route to enter to the country where he is currently accredited.

At the Kakarbhitta point, the B’desh diplomat talked with some other journalists as well. A small get together had been arranged at the Nepal entry point to greet the Ambassador.

Asked about the reported bad shape of the road linking Nepal to Bangladesh, the Ambassador said,” I was misinformed by some people regarding the matter. However, the conditions of the road are excellent and could be used without any difficulty added the Ambassador.

“Once the agreement of understanding is signed among the Nepal, India and B’desh for transit purpose, buses, cars, trucks and the likes could conveniently ply on highway which ultimately will promote our bilateral business and tourism as well”, explained the B’desh diplomat.

“Highway can also be used for frequent goodwill visits by the artistes, intellectuals, businessmen, journalists and public figures to have face to face contact with their counterparts in Dhaka and viceversa”, Ambassador Sikder concluded.

Immediately upon his return from Kakarbhitta, this weekly had the honor to talk to Ambassador Sikder on the same topic.

Talking to the Telegraph, Ambassador Sikder opined that “it was the turn of Nepal to initiate contacts with appropriate authorities in India and B’desh as well so that her transport systems carrying commodities could go straight up to Mongla port. At the moment, Nepalese goods were being forwarded by B’desh clearing agents up to Mongla. If the Nepalese side talks to us for such arrangements, we are ready to extend such facilities which allows Nepalese goods to reach the port comfortably”.

To yet another query of the Telegraph, the Ambassador bluntly said that Nepal till to date has not been able to utilize the huge potential of our Mongla port for unknown reasons.

Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Sikder revealed that this Thursday he is talking to a broader section of the Nepali media to let them understand the factual situation of the road, potential of the Mongla port and the relevant matters regarding the facilities that his country has for Nepal and her third country bound goods for export.