Asian Highway
It appeared in a news report of The Daily Star on Dec. 26, 2005 and also in the past, that Bangladesh would be a big loser in economy by not signing the Asian Highway Agreement under ESCAP, but it is not clear why the press is trying to justify the signing of Asian Highway Agreement on the ground of economic benefit although it would push our neighbour Myanmar 500 miles away from us, which is now only a river crossing distance. i.e. the river Naf. It may also be noted that a regular border trade exists between the two countries since long and it is witnessing a steady growth and benefiting both the countries.
If Bangladesh accepts the ESCAP proposed route, the said border trade will be stopped as the commodities have to cross 500 miles through India to reach Myanmar and vice versa. Moreover, that would need permission from India, the possibility of which is bleak as it has been experienced earlier while Bangladesh tried to obtain permission for a route transit through India, just 15-20 km distance, to send commodities to Nepal and vice versa. It was refused by India despite the requests from both Bangladesh and Nepal.
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