DHAKA: Bangladesh is going to construct direct trans-border road and rail links with China and ASEAN countries through the originally planned Cox`s Bazar route, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina informed parliament Wednesday.

“The government has taken all necessary initiatives to establish the connections from Cox`s Bazar to China`s Kunming through Myanmar,” she said.

The disclosure came a day after Chinese Vice-President Xi Jingping left Dhaka after his two-day Bangladesh visit during which he had talks with the Prime Minister and also had meetings with President zillur Rahman and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia.
 
In reply to a question from Lutfar Rahman MP from Cox’s Bazar, she also said the government is trying its best to construct the+ regional highway in greater public interest.

In the first phase, Bangladesh will construct a 2-km road from Ramu to Ghundum (Bangladesh-Myanmar border point) and 23-km Taungbro-Bolibazar road inside Myanmar.

In the second phase, Bowlibazar-Kyangtow road will be constructed by Myanmar.

There is roadway from Kwantu to Kunming in China, which eventually would link China with Bangladesh via Myanmar.

Prime Minister Hasina hoped for having effective communications and political, economic, trade and cultural relations with the entire South and East Asia as well as China through this project.

BDST: 2005 HRS. June 16, 2010
GJH/TSA/SRJ/SMS/MUA