Agartala, February 21:
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday expressed strong optimism that relations between Tripura and Bangladesh will witness renewed momentum with the formation of a new elected government across the border, paving the way for stalled connectivity and trade projects to become operational.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme of unveiling the bust of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee at Nagerjala bus terminal in Agartala, Saha said several key infrastructure initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and regional connectivity between Tripura and Bangladesh are fully ready but had remained stalled due to recent political turbulence in Bangladesh. With a new government now in place, he hoped these projects would gradually begin operations.
Referring to the Maitree Setu over the Feni river, connecting Sabroom in South Tripura with Bangladesh and offering access to Chittagong seaport, the Chief Minister said the bridge is complete and holds immense economic potential for both sides.
He also highlighted the Agartala–Akhaura rail link project, which will connect Tripura directly to West Bengal via Bangladesh, significantly reducing travel time and facilitating smoother transportation of goods and passengers.
According to Saha, the operationalisation of these projects will substantially boost economic activities in the region and largely benefit Bangladesh.
“Both projects are ready and should gradually start operations. These will improve the economic condition of both countries. In fact, Bangladesh may benefit even more from us in the future,” he remarked.
On Bangladesh emerging from a turbulent political phase under an interim government and the resumption of services such as the Agartala–Kolkata bus via Dhaka, the Chief Minister said positive developments are expected in due course.
“When the right time comes, everything will happen — we have said this earlier as well. There are moments of difficulty, good times, light and darkness. These are temporary situations. A new, elected government has come into place, so there is hope,” he said.
Saha further noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions both nations progressing together in a spirit of mutual cooperation.
“India with Bangladesh and Bangladesh with India — this process of symbiosis between the two nations should take place. It is a good and positive sign. As we move ahead in this new phase, this journey of progress between the two countries will be auspicious and beneficial for all,” he added.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that with political stability returning in Bangladesh, bilateral cooperation will deepen further, strengthening economic ties, cross-border connectivity and the longstanding relationship between Tripura and the neighbouring country that surrounds the state from three with long 856 Km border.
