BSS, Rajshahi :
Speakers at a press conference here on Monday demanded elevation of rail-road connectivity between Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan for the sake of more peoples level connectivity in the region for its substantial and sustainable development.
They called for bringing the issue under budgetary allocation in 2016-17 fiscal for its quick implementation. Emphasis should be given on developing bilateral relations and regional communications for economic prosperity of Bangladesh and the neighbouring countries.
SAARC Peoples Link Forum-bd (SPLF), Rajshahi organized the press conference at its office in Rajshahi city putting forward the demands. “Connectivity with SAARC Countries” was the theme of the conference.
SPLF General Secretary Kolpona Roy read out the written statement with Mustafizur Rahman Khan, president of the organization, in the chair.
Forum members Shahnaz Begum, Saiduzzaman Sipon, Tabibur Rahman Masum and Tahera Begum also spoke.
They told the journalists that connectivity at people’s level of SAARC countries should be enhanced to develop better understanding along with upholding regional peace and stability in the region. Not only through tourism, the relations may be improved in cultural, sports and also in other arenas.
There should be provision of road and railways connectivity between Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan instead of only the airway for the sake of welfare of the people.
They termed the Bangladesh-India relation as cordial and long-lasting and said visa procedure should be made more easy and liberalized. In case of medical and other emergencies visa should be given even within a day.
They stressed on tourism for more bilateral development and exchange of ideas adding that easy and unhindered movement among SAARC Countries needs to be created. There is no alternative to people-to-people link for regional peace and progress. He cited example of EU countries in this regard.
They said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has declared that the Rajshahi-Maldah-Baharampur International Bus Service would be launched and hoped that the announcement would be implemented very soon for the sake of welfare of the people moving on the route.
Many people moving on this route for various purposes including treatment, study, tourism and cultural activities suffer a lot due to lack of direct bus service.
