India is hosting a delegation of ten officials from the Bangladesh Land Port Authority as part of a specialised training initiative under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC). The training programme, titled “Engineering Excellence: From Blueprint to Border,” is organised by the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) and aims to equip participants with knowledge on the master planning of smart, green, and resilient land ports.
In a send-off ceremony held on October 20 at the High Commission of India in Dhaka, Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe interacted with the officials, reinforcing the significance of this initiative in strengthening bilateral relations. The High Commission highlighted the importance of ITEC, stating that it has successfully provided training to nearly 3,000 Bangladeshi officials across various disciplines over the past five years, including governance, IT, and renewable energy. This underscores India’s commitment to nurturing talent in Bangladesh, fostering sustainable development and cooperation between the two nations. The ITEC programme has emerged as a cornerstone of India-Bangladesh relations, which are deeply rooted in shared history, language, and culture. The partnership has matured into a robust model of regional cooperation, with Bangladesh standing as India’s largest trading partner in South Asia. Recent data indicates that bilateral trade surged by approximately 44% in the fiscal year 2021-2022, reaching USD 18.14 billion, reflecting the growing economic interdependence.
Moreover, the energy sector serves as a crucial pillar in this bilateral partnership, with Bangladesh currently importing 1,160 MW of electricity from India. This collaboration not only supports Bangladesh’s energy needs but also reinforces India’s role as a reliable partner in the region. As these officials embark on their training journey, there is a palpable sense of optimism about the future. Local sentiments reflect a desire for enhanced collaboration and development, underscoring the emotional and practical stakes involved. The sustainable practices learned during this training are expected to foster more environmentally responsible land port operations, contributing to the long-term goals of both nations. This initiative is not merely about training; it is about building bridges of understanding and cooperation that can lead to sustainable growth and mutual prosperity for India and Bangladesh.
