Transit underway (goods transported to Agartala without any tax or charges)

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Front Page
Transit underway

Transit underway

Word 'trial' not stated in NBR letter to Akhaura port authorities; goods being transported to Agartala 'without any tax or charges'

Bangladeshi ship MV Nilkantha that carried iron from Kolkata is anchored at Ashuganj river port. Trucks, inset, waiting at Akhaura land port yesterday afternoon to cross the border into India. Photo: Rashed ShumonM Abul Kalam Azad, from Akhaura

The first regularised transit of Indian goods to Agartala through Akhaura Land Port seems set to take place today while trial transit runs and its impact assessment have not been completed yet.

Meanwhile, officials of the Bangladesh shipping ministry and the National Board of Revenue (NBR) are avoiding making it clear whether the nine trucks load of iron bars waiting at Akhaura Land Port to cross over to Agartala are getting trial transit or a regularised one.

Land customs officials at Akhaura Land Port confirmed that they received a government order yesterday evening identifying the consignment as "transit and transhipment goods", and asking them to transfer those to Agartala. The order did not mention any fee to be charged.

The order also said the goods will be unloaded in Agartala instead of Akhaura. Port officials said by not letting the trucks to be unloaded in Akhaura, Bangladesh will lose a large amount of money in terms of unloading and reloading charges.

Earlier during two trial transit runs, the land customs authorities made sure that goods in transit are unloaded inside the port area so the port and labourers there could earn some money. But in yesterday's order the Bangladesh government specified that the goods will be unloaded in India.

During the trial runs, Akhaura Land Port Authority earned Tk 70,000, and the labourers there also made some money.

Land Customs Officer of Akhaura Land Customs Station Subash Chandra Kundu said, "The previous two orders mentioned the word 'trial', but the latest order only mentions 'transit and transhipment'".

"We are not fully clear about what is going on. We are just following orders of the higher authorities," he told The Daily Star yesterday.

Akhaura Land Customs Office received the order from Chittagong Customs Commissioner's Office. The main order is however issued by NBR.

During a visit to Akhaura Land Port yesterday, it was seen that nine Bangladeshi trucks each carrying 17.5 tonnes of iron bars for Tripura Ispat Factory were waiting there to cross the border since October 12. Those are expected to cross over to Agartala today afternoon.

A consignment of 621 tonnes of iron bars first arrived at Ashuganj River Port from Kolkata on board a Bangladeshi ship MV Nilkantha, there a portion of the consignment was loaded on the nine trucks that went to Akhaura Land Port to cross over to Agartala in India. MV Nilkantha is still anchored at Ashuganj River Port to unload the rest of the consignment. A Bangladeshi shipping company Indo-Bangla Shipping Lines is the owner of Nilkantha.

Manager of Indo-Bangla Md Nazib said, "We brought the goods as part of regular transit."

He said they had to give bank guarantee to transport Indian goods. In case of damage or loss of the goods, the Indian company will be compensated from the bank guarantee, he added.

Asked how Bangladesh is benefiting from transit for Indian goods, people in Ashuganj and Akhaura ports said Bangladeshi truck owners and labourers at the ports get some money out of it and that is all.

In the first trial transit of Indian goods an Indian ship Homi Baba brought 305 tonnes of galvanized steel sheets to Ashuganj River Port from Kolkata, from there the consignment was transported to Agartala by trucks via Akhaura Land Port.

In the second trial run 866 tonnes of galvanized steel sheets were brought to Ashuganj River Port by a Bangladesh ship Gulf - 4, from there a half of the consignment made it to Agartala through Akhaura Land Port by trucks. The other half is still waiting in transit at the land port.

Not a single authority in Bangladesh could make it clear yesterday whether the consignment of iron bars from India is getting trial transit or regularised transit.

The Daily Star talked to a number of top officials of the shipping ministry and NBR, but none was willing to talk on the issue. Shipping Secretary Abdul Mannan Hawlader said, "NBR is dealing with the matter. They will tell you what it is."

When contacted, NBR Member Shah Alam Khan suggested contacting the shipping ministry. "They will tell you about it since everything is being done under the inland protocol," he said.

 

[Roybot]

Transit fee by March: Mashiur | | bdnews24.com

There would be four to six trial runs of transshipment for carrying Indian goods from one part of India to another before it is regularised, he said at a programme on New Insurance Act and the Sector, organised by Economic Reporters' Forum at the National Press Club. The transshipment trial run from Kolkata to Agartala through Ashuganj river port began in September and four vessels have, so far, been allowed.

 

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

Transit fee by March: Mashiur | | bdnews24.com

The issue is that this time the word "TRIAL" has been removed from the letter sent to the port authority from NBR and still no tax or charges has been imposed. Checks your fact before posting.

 

[Roybot]

The issue is that this time the word "TRIAL" has been removed from the letter sent to the port authority from NBR and still no tax or charges has been imposed. Checks your fact before posting.

My facts? I was just quoting what the economic adviser to your prime minister said.

He clearly said that the there will be 4-6 trials and the fees will be fixed in March after some meeting. That's why they are "trialing" different setups to see which one works out best for both parties. First two trial runs they unloaded the goods in Akhaura Land port, this time they ll unload it in Agartala. Trial is the key word here. Just the fact that the word "trial" was not mentioned in the letter doesn't change much

If they unload it at Akhaura labourers make some money, if they unload it at Agartala Bangladeshi transport companies make more money. You guys need to understand that Indian Government won't be using this transshipment facility, businesses will,and Indian government won't be paying the transit fees businesses will!

So if its cheaper/saves time for businesses to use Bangladesh route they ll use, otherwise they won't, its that simple

Read this, http://www.defence.pk/forums/bangladesh-defence/135532-india-ready-pay-transit-fees-envoy.html

 

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

My facts? I was just quoting what the economic adviser to your prime minister said.

He clearly said that the there will be 4-6 trials and the fees will be fixed in March after some meeting. That's why they are "trialing" different setups to see which one works out best for both parties. First two trial runs they unloaded the goods in Akhaura Land port, this time they ll unload it in Agartala. Trial is the key word here. Just the fact that the word "trial" was not mentioned in the letter doesn't change much

If they unload it at Akhaura labourers make some money, if they unload it at Agartala Bangladeshi transport companies make more money. You guys need to understand that Indian Government won't be using this transshipment facility, businesses will,and Indian government won't be paying the transit fees businesses will!

So if its cheaper/saves time for businesses to use Bangladesh route they ll use, otherwise they won't, its that simple

Read this, http://www.defence.pk/forums/bangladesh-defence/135532-india-ready-pay-transit-fees-envoy.html

There is no value of the word of the adviser of Prime Minister Mashiur Rahman... that indian stooge earlier said that it will be uncivilized for Bangladesh to ask fees from India. N what fees you are talking about that Indians are ready to give... so uncountable types of fees and hypes has been talked about but end of the day each and every type of fees has been changed with another story. Last time we heard that bhartis will pay only the operation and maintenance fees. Nothing else.


N this time "Trial" word is important because none of the NBR or Shipping ministry said why they have withdrawn the trial word from the letter. That is really suspicious as if it is still part of the trial it should have been mentioned here clearly.


N regarding your BS on indian businessman providing fees for transit and whether it is cheaper or not.... Every one knows that there are no other cheaper alternative then the Bangladeshi route long with time savings. So keep all these bs with you. Lastly if you are really desperate to say India will pay fees... provide a quote how much india is going to pay instead of word like India will pay... it will do this and that, Bangladesh will be Singapore, we will earn billions. We are simply tiered of these cheap words.

 

[Roybot]

There is no value of the word of the adviser of Prime Minister Mashiur Rahman... that indian stooge earlier said that it will be uncivilized for Bangladesh to ask fees from India. N what fees you are talking about that Indians are ready to give... so uncountable types of fees and hypes has been talked about but end of the day each and every type of fees has been changed with another story. Last time we heard that bhartis will pay only the operation and maintenance fees. Nothing else.


N this time "Trial" word is important because none of the NBR or Shipping ministry said why they have withdrawn the trial word from the letter. That is really suspicious as if it is still part of the trial it should have been mentioned here clearly.


N regarding your BS on indian businessman providing fees for transit and whether it is cheaper or not.... Every one knows that there are no other cheaper alternative then the Bangladeshi route long with time savings. So keep all these bs with you. Lastly if you are really desperate to say India will pay fees... provide a quote how much india is going to pay instead of word like India will pay... it will do this and that, Bangladesh will be Singapore, we will earn billions. We are simply tiered of these cheap words.

What an agro kid, mate you need to calm the fk down

Mashiur Rahman is a stooge or not, thats not my problem, thats what he said and thats what I quoted(4-6 trials) .

Its not about how much India wants to pay, Your government hasn't set the fee yet, once thats done, Indian businesses will pay and use the transit facility if they want to and if they find it cost and time effective. No one is putting a gun to anyone's head here. As simple as that. Although Bangladesh transportation/Logistics Industry will want this transit deal to go through and would welcome extra business like any other industry.

Am no advocate of free transit, whatever Bangladesh Government deems right amount should be paid.

As many as 95 per cent vessels and 100 per cent trucks used for shipment are owned by Bangladeshis and it is like export service in foreign currency, Mitter reasoned. "There must be profit from it, otherwise why should it happen?" "I met chamber leaders in Chittagong and they told me that they want the Chittagong port to be used for transit."

There are spin-off benefits like warehousing, customs, forwarding and all will be done by Bangladshis, Mitter said.

 

[EastWest]

Dude !! These BD jamaatis wont stop whining even if the transit is actually paid.

These Jamaatis have been brainwashed that anything tat is good for Indians(a.k.a Hindoos) is bad for muslims and anshould not be done...

 

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

What an agro kid, mate you need to calm the fk down

Mashiur Rahman is a stooge or not, thats not my problem, thats what he said and thats what I quoted(4-6 trials) .

Its not about how much India wants to pay, Your government hasn't set the fee yet, once thats done, Indian businesses will pay and use the transit facility if they want to and if they find it cost and time effective. No one is putting a gun to anyone's head here. As simple as that. Although Bangladesh transportation/Logistics Industry will want this transit deal to go through and would welcome extra business like any other industry.

Am no advocate of free transit, whatever Bangladesh Government deems right amount should be paid.

Look at the article and read it... there it was mentioned only the truck drivers and labors will earn some money and thats all. As you have counted this... truck drivers and labors in the transit as part of business ... you should have counted also the restaurant business... as many indian and bangladeshi truck drivers and labors will have their breakfast, lunch and dinner in many road side restaurants ... so definitely it is also a boon...funny bunch of guys.

Asked how Bangladesh is benefiting from transit for Indian goods, people in Ashuganj and Akhaura ports said Bangladeshi truck owners and labourers at the ports get some money out of it and that is all.

This Bangladeshi trucks are used here main cause of security concerns... If that would not be the case then even it would not have been used. I am doubting in the future these bhartis may demand our truck will only be used and only drivers will only be changed at the border and the stooge awami league will accept this... like the present loading and unloading in the port has been cancelled which will cause a big loss of revenue for the government.

 

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

Dude !! These BD jamaatis wont stop whining even if the transit is actually paid.

These Jamaatis have been brainwashed that anything tat is good for Indians(a.k.a Hindoos) is bad for muslims and anshould not be done...

Who the hell is jammatis over here... keep your propaganda and rant to you... for this transit Bangladesh will have to invest 7 billion USD which goes much higher then that.

By only paying the operation and maintenance fees... by the bhartis is the amount that bangladesh can expect from here. This formula is not economically feasible as net of return will be almost nil in this case. If Bangladesh will invest this money to other sector which is much needed now such as electricity will yield much larger return in terms of increase of production.

This is simple math of profit and loss... nothing related to the hindu rant... n all these even does not take in to account security risk and environmental damage that will be caused by this transit.

 

[TopCat]

My facts? I was just quoting what the economic adviser to your prime minister said.

He clearly said that the there will be 4-6 trials and the fees will be fixed in March after some meeting. That's why they are "trialing" different setups to see which one works out best for both parties. First two trial runs they unloaded the goods in Akhaura Land port, this time they ll unload it in Agartala. Trial is the key word here. Just the fact that the word "trial" was not mentioned in the letter doesn't change much

If they unload it at Akhaura labourers make some money, if they unload it at Agartala Bangladeshi transport companies make more money. You guys need to understand that Indian Government won't be using this transshipment facility, businesses will,and Indian government won't be paying the transit fees businesses will!

So if its cheaper/saves time for businesses to use Bangladesh route they ll use, otherwise they won't, its that simple

Read this, http://www.defence.pk/forums/bangladesh-defence/135532-india-ready-pay-transit-fees-envoy.html

I think we got some understanding problem here.

Business will always make money be it Indian or Bangladeshi. When I own a truck and carry Indian goods to Agartala, I will always see the profit. The profit comes because I dont pay for the road I use inside BD, I make profit because I buy diesel half the price I suppose to pay, I make profit because roads and highways are built by tax payers money, i make profit because govt gives me incentives through direct and indirect means, i make profit because govt gave me free education and health care, I make profit because if I get into any accident, the ambulance rush me to the free hospital. Now all the benifits I receive from the state will have a tickle down cost benifit to the Indian businesses and consumer who is paying none to my government. That is unacceptatble. BD businesses makes money or not, BD laborer gets paid or not, India must pay for the transit because nobody is getting paid free here.

We just cant pay subsidy and make the route cheaper so that Indian will use it!!! COME ON!! as If, we are dying for this transit crap.

 

[TopCat]

The transit fee should be paid by Indian Government not by the Indian business owner. Reason is simple, they are using BD infra which could had been built and maintained and paid by Indian government if it were Indian territory.

 

[sarthak]

Who the hell is jammatis over here... keep your propaganda and rant to you... for this transit Bangladesh will have to invest 7 billion USD which goes much higher then that.

By only paying the operation and maintenance fees... by the bhartis is the amount that bangladesh can expect from here. This formula is not economically feasible as net of return will be almost nil in this case. If Bangladesh will invest this money to other sector which is much needed now such as electricity will yield much larger return in terms of increase of production.

This is simple math of profit and loss... nothing related to the hindu rant... n all these even does not take in to account security risk and environmental damage that will be caused by this transit.

LOL , so basically your whole point is that transit is bad for bangladesh right? Instead of blaming us , just take action against your government. As you yourselves have stated many times , indians are a bunch of baniyas and shrewd businessman. Right you are. We don't give a crap whether your country makes any money out of it or not or whether your laborers get any money out of this or whether you lose 7 billion dollars. We just care about our ****in benefit. You see kiddo , that's how the world works , you have to demand what you want , just sitting there and whining about it won't change anything.

 

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

I think we got some understanding problem here.

Business will always make money be it Indian or Bangladeshi. When I own a truck and carry Indian goods to Agartala, I will always see the profit. The profit comes because I dont pay for the road I use inside BD, I make profit because I buy diesel half the price I suppose to pay, I make profit because roads and highways are built by tax payers money, i make profit because govt gives me incentives through direct and indirect means, i make profit because govt gave me free education and health care, I make profit because if I get into any accident, the ambulance rush me to the free hospital. Now all the benifits I receive from the state will have a tickle down cost benifit to the Indian businesses and consumer who is paying none to my government. That is unacceptatble. BD businesses makes money or not, BD laborer gets paid or not, India must pay for the transit because nobody is getting paid free here.

We just cant pay subsidy and make the route cheaper so that Indian will use it!!! COME ON!! as If, we are dying for this transit crap.

You are right .... bangladeshi trucks has been chosen because fuel price is subsidized in Bangladesh... that means when a Bangladeshi truck will carry indian goods from benapol to agartola for example it will be done using subsidized bangladeshi fuel... which will yield triple savings for the bhartis... savings in terms of distance, time and money by using cheap fuel.


So India is not doing any favor here by using Bangladeshi trucks... instead they are saving money by using it.

 

[ramu]

There is no value of the word of the adviser of Prime Minister Mashiur Rahman... that indian stooge earlier said that it will be uncivilized for Bangladesh to ask fees from India. N what fees you are talking about that Indians are ready to give... so uncountable types of fees and hypes has been talked about but end of the day each and every type of fees has been changed with another story. Last time we heard that bhartis will pay only the operation and maintenance fees. Nothing else.


N this time "Trial" word is important because none of the NBR or Shipping ministry said why they have withdrawn the trial word from the letter. That is really suspicious as if it is still part of the trial it should have been mentioned here clearly.


N regarding your BS on indian businessman providing fees for transit and whether it is cheaper or not.... Every one knows that there are no other cheaper alternative then the Bangladeshi route long with time savings. So keep all these bs with you. Lastly if you are really desperate to say India will pay fees... provide a quote how much india is going to pay instead of word like India will pay... it will do this and that, Bangladesh will be Singapore, we will earn billions. We are simply tiered of these cheap words.

If you have a problem with the Government of Bangladesh then take it up with them instead of whining over it.

 

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

LOL , so basically your whole point is that transit is bad for bangladesh right? Instead of blaming us , just take action against your government. As you yourselves have stated many times , indians are a bunch of baniyas and shrewd businessman. Right you are. We don't give a crap whether your country makes any money out of it or not or whether your laborers get any money out of this or whether you lose 7 billion dollars. We just care about our ****in benefit. You see kiddo , that's how the world works , you have to demand what you want , just sitting there and whining about it won't change anything.

We do not need any lecture from bhartis like you to know how the world works.... we have enough knowledge of it. We are concerned the way some stooge within the government is dealing the transit issue. We want a deal which is beneficial for Bangladesh... not any free or subsidized transit as it is India which is dying for it not us.

N yes we are also aware of bhartis mentality... no need to remind it again.