Agartala: In a promising turn of events, the recent triumph of Sheikh Hasina in the Bangladesh elections has ignited optimism especially in Tripura, signaling a potential boost in trade relations between the two neighboring regions. With a shared international border spanning 856 km, Tripura stands to gain substantially from the renewed leadership of Prime Minister Hasina.

Despite previous restrictions imposed by the Bangladesh government on specific products, there is a prevailing sense of hope that, with Sheikh Hasina at the helm, reconsideration of these bans may open up new avenues for exports from Tripura.

The Bangladesh currently imposes restrictions on products like Tea, rubber, clothes, machinery , some food items and cosmetics.

Now, as Hasina back to the helm of affairs again Tripura is now hoping that Bangladesh will lift the restriction from such products, especially from tea and rubber as Tripura produced around 9 million kgs of tea and 83701.23 MT of rubber.

Sujit Roy, the General Secretary of the India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (IBCCI) Tripura Chapter, expressed confidence that Sheikh Hasina's victory will have a positive impact on Tripura. He highlighted the significance of the upcoming Sabroom Integrated Check post in South District, poised to serve as a crucial gateway for imports and exports, facilitating smoother trade between Tripura and Northeast India. Roy pointed out the strategic advantage of the proximity of Chittagong to Sabroom, enabling efficient transportation of goods to the Northeast.

Acknowledging the previous restrictions on certain products, Roy stated, "We are hopeful this time the Bangladesh government will lift the ban. We are happy that Sheikh Hasina’s party won again as it will be beneficial for Tripura and the Northeast too."

Nabadal Banik, Chairman of the Tripura Industrial Development Corporation (TIDC), emphasized the cordial relationship between Tripura and Bangladesh. Banik cited existing infrastructural developments such as railways and border haats, indicating the foundations of a robust trade connection.

"The relationship with Bangladesh is cordial and good. Due to this relationship, we have railways from Tripura to Bangladesh, Border haats, and some more border haats were sanctioned," Banik noted. He expressed hope that under Sheikh Hasina's government, Tripura would solidify its position as the gateway to the Northeast, fostering accelerated development in terms of trade.

Banik added, "We will hold discussions on the ban imposed by the Bangladesh government and are hopeful that this time they will lift the ban. We have received help in terms of trade opportunities during the last tenure of Sheikh Hasina as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and this time also we are hopeful."

However, the border haat traders of Kamalasagar in Sepahijala district are still hopeful that the Bangladesh government will open the border haat as soon as possible, as the haat was closed soon after the Covid outbreak.

“It's been more than 4 years since the border haat in Kamalasagar closed. We have repeatedly informed the Tripura Government about the matter. Though they have also taken up the issue with the neighboring country, so far no outcome has been reached. For the last four years, we have faced difficulties in our lives as we are unable to sell our products. We are hopeful that, as Sheikh Hasina won the election again, she will help us,” said Nurul Islam, a trader who used to sell Indian products in the border haat.

As Sheikh Hasina's victory sets an optimistic tone, Tripura eagerly anticipates the prospect of deepening economic ties and unlocking new avenues for trade with its neighbor, bringing mutual benefits to both regions.

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