[🇧🇩] The strategic importance of Feni

[Bilal9]

Rethinking Feni’s geopolitical significance
KM Saiful Bashar 29 August, 2024, 00:00

AS A conscious citizen of Bangladesh, I have often reflected on our nation’s vulnerabilities — both natural and geopolitical. Recent events have once again brought these concerns to the forefront of public discourse. The devastating floods in Feni and surrounding areas, which left these districts submerged and disrupted the entire economic cycle, serve as a stark reminder of the strategic and economic importance of certain geographical locations within our country.

The Feni waistline, running through the Feni district, represents a critical vulnerability for Bangladesh. This line serves as a critical connection between the eastern and western parts of Bangladesh. The recent floods that submerged Feni highlighted the fragility of this corridor and its impact on the national economy. When Feni’s infrastructure was overwhelmed, it caused a domino effect, paralysing trade and transport and underscoring the urgent need for strategic planning and investment in these regions.

Feni is uniquely positioned as a linchpin in Bangladesh’s geographical landscape. It shares borders with Cumilla to the north and Chattogram to the south, both of which are integral parts of the nation’s transportation and economic networks. The district’s location makes it an unavoidable transit point for road and rail routes connecting Dhaka with Chattogram, the largest port city and economic hub of Bangladesh. Unlike Cumilla, which can be bypassed to a limited extent, Feni’s geographical placement makes it an indispensable link, ensuring the continuous flow of goods and people between these vital regions.

Three significant rivers — the Muhuri, Feni, and Selonia — flow through Feni, further enhancing the district’s strategic value. These rivers not only support local agriculture but also play a crucial role in cross-border relations with India, given their shared usage and management. Feni’s proximity to the Indian state of Tripura adds another layer of strategic importance, as it serves as a gateway for cross-border trade and cultural exchange. The district is thus a focal point for maintaining robust border security and fostering diplomatic relations with India.

From a geopolitical standpoint, the Feni waist line is critical. Bangladesh’s location, bordered by India on three sides and the Bay of Bengal to the south, necessitates careful consideration of these vulnerabilities. The Feni waist line holds significant geoeconomic importance. The district of Feni is a hub that connects the capital, Dhaka, with the port city of Chittagong, and it serves as a vital link in the country’s supply chain. The recent flooding exposed how quickly and easily this link can be severed, causing widespread economic disruption.

Given these vulnerabilities, it is imperative for the government to take immediate and strategic action. First and foremost, the depth and capacity of the rivers flowing through Feni must be increased. The recent floods demonstrated that these rivers are currently incapable of handling sudden surges in water levels. This requires a comprehensive river management plan, including dredging to increase depth and the construction of embankments to control overflow. Such measures would not only mitigate the impact of future floods but also enhance the navigability of these rivers, boosting local commerce and connectivity.

Secondly, the government’s current initiative to build a road connecting the Chittagong port with the Mirershorai Economic Zone is commendable. However, this project should be expanded further. The road should be extended beyond Mirershorai up to Sonagazi, and, importantly, there should be a direct connection to Sonaimuri in Noakhali. This would create an alternative route in case of emergencies like the recent flood, allowing for the bypassing of Feni’s existing road network when necessary. This expanded road network would not only provide a more robust infrastructure in times of crisis but also foster greater economic integration between different regions of the country.

Additionally, there should be a focus on developing a multimodal transportation network that integrates roads, rail, and waterways. By doing so, we can ensure that even if one mode of transportation is compromised, others can still function, thus maintaining economic stability. For instance, the development of a rail link parallel to the proposed road could provide an additional layer of redundancy, reducing our reliance on any single mode of transport.

Moreover, the government should consider the construction of more flood shelters and the implementation of community-based disaster management programmes in vulnerable areas like Feni. These measures would not only save lives during natural disasters but also minimise the economic disruption caused by such events. By training local communities in disaster preparedness and response, we can create a more resilient population that is better equipped to handle crises.

To further enhance the strategic resilience of the Feni waistline, the government should also invest in advanced surveillance and monitoring systems. This would enable real-time assessment of any emerging threats, whether natural or man-made, allowing for swift and coordinated responses. Such systems could include satellite monitoring, drone surveillance, and the establishment of local observation posts.

Finally, there must be a national discussion on these issues, involving all stakeholders, including local communities, civil society organisations, and international partners. This discussion should aim to raise awareness about the importance of these regions and build consensus on the need for immediate action. Only through collective effort can we ensure that Bangladesh is prepared to face the challenges posed by its geographical vulnerabilities.

KM Saiful Bashar is a retired army personnel.​

Feni is - in a way, our Chicken's Neck.

I believe we should prepare for every possible contingency (including flooding/natural disasters that the current Indian Govt. has already foisted upon us) and make sure they are dealt with beforehand.

Readiness is key.

Which means emergency supplies and disaster recovery, business continuity and every other possible contingency planned for and activated at a day's notice, with alternate communication methods like microwave mesh networking and deployable inflatable boats stored of various sizes.

I don't mean to exclude military options either, there should be more cantonments along that border situated on higher ground with an eye on 100% survivability. The border is very porous and we should deploy Ansar regiments (along with BDR/BGB which is already present) along the border so if there are invasion issues - they can tackle them.

The readiness of BSF and their troop strength along that border area is far higher than whatever BGB deployment we have there currently. Their govt. understands that criticality, if there is an invasion there may be 1 or 2 divisions of their army involved, we don't have squat to resist that, Mainamati Cantt. notwithstanding.

On the Eastern flank, Tripura already has one division and Sylhet/Meghalaya East maybe has two divisions of IA deployed.

 

[Saif]

Feni is - in a way, our Chicken's Neck.

I believe we should prepare for every possible contingency (including flooding/natural disasters that the current Indian Govt. has already foisted upon us) and make sure they are dealt with beforehand.

Readiness is key.

Which means emergency supplies and disaster recovery, business continuity and every other possible contingency planned for and activated at a day's notice, with alternate communication methods like microwave mesh networking and deployable inflatable boats stored of various sizes.

I don't mean to exclude military options either, there should be more cantonments along that border situated on higher ground with an eye on 100% survivability. The border is very porous and we should deploy Ansar regiments (along with BDR/BGB which is already present) along the border so if there are invasion issues - they can tackle them.

The readiness of BSF and their troop strength along that border area is far higher than whatever BGB deployment we have there currently. Their govt. understands that criticality, if there is an invasion there may be 1 or 2 divisions of their army involved, we don't have squat to resist that, Mainamati Cantt. notwithstanding.

On the Eastern flank, Tripura already has one division and Sylhet/Meghalaya East maybe has two divisions of IA deployed.

The 33(Cumilla) and 24(Chittagong) infantry divisions are there to safeguard Feni---our chicken neck. The interim government must tear down the strategic bridge over Feni river to stop India from gaining access to Feni. Sheikh Hasina built the bridge over Feni river so that the Indian army could easily gain control of our vital strategic link between Chittagong + CHT and the rest of Bangladesh.

 

[Saif]

The Indians intentionally refrained from mentioning the military significance of Maitri Setu. How could Bangladesh army allow the Indians to build the bridge over Feni river?

https://www.financialexpress.com/business/infrastructure-india-bangladesh-bridge-maitri-setu-to-open-for-public-from-september-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-it-3523729/

India-Bangladesh bridge Maitri Setu to open for public from September – Here’s everything you need to know about it

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina virtually inaugurated the Maitri Setu in March 2021.
June 13, 2024 15:32 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Feni river, all about Maitri Setu, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, india-bangladesh bridge, maitri setu

The initiation of goods movement through the bridge is considered strategically significant, not only for Tripura but also for the entire northeast region. (Image: NE Today)

Passenger movement through Maitri Setu, the bridge connecting India and Bangladesh in south Tripura district, will commence by September this year, according to a senior government official. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina virtually inaugurated the Maitri Setu in March 2021. The bridge, spanning 1.9 km over the Feni River, connects Sabroom in India with Ramgarh in Bangladesh.

“The Maitri Setu has already been inaugurated. The land port is almost ready…The movement of passengers through the bridge will commence in September. It will take two or three months to introduce goods movement after passenger movement gets underway,” said Kiran Gitte, Secretary of Tripura’s Industries and Commerce Department, during a press conference last week.

The initiation of goods movement through the bridge is considered strategically significant, not only for Tripura but also for the entire northeast region. The Chittagong port in Bangladesh is just 80 km from Tripura’s Sabroom, offering potential for enhanced trade routes. Additionally, Gitte announced that the Kamalasagar border haat in Tripura’s Sepahijala district, closed due to the Covid pandemic, would be reopening soon. Currently, the Srinagar border haat in south Tripura district is operational.

Here’s all you need to know about the bridge and its significance:

1. The Maitri Setu is a 1.9-kilometre-long bridge connecting Sabroom in India’s Tripura with Bangladesh’s Ramgarh

2. It is constructed over the Feni River, marking the boundary between the two nations

3. The bridge symbolizes the strengthening of bilateral relations and friendly ties between India and Bangladesh

4. Maitri Setu is a pre-stressed concrete structure with a single-span design, facilitating smooth traffic and cargo flow

5. The construction was supervised by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

6. The bridge allows the transport of goods from West Bengal to Northeast India via the Chittagong and Mongla Ports in Bangladesh

7. The bridge enhances economic development in the Northeastern states and fosters people-to-people connections between India’s northeast and Bangladesh

8. The Maitri Setu bridge provides a new maritime route from Kolkata to Chittagong, offering a quicker alternative to the Sittwe Port-Kaladan route and strengthening regional connectivity, trade, and diplomatic relations​

 

[Saif]

How important is Maitri Setu?

The opening of Maitri Setu marks a significant development in terms of connectivity in India’s northeastern region. The strategically located state of Tripura will strengthen its credentials as a key gateway to the northeastern region of India on one hand, and Southeast Asia on the other. The bridge represents strengthening of bilateral relations and deepening of friendly ties between India and Bangladesh.

The bridge will facilitate transportation of goods from West Bengal to Northeast India through the Chittagong and Mongla Ports in Bangladesh. Given that Bangladesh’s Chittagong port is barely 80 kilometers away from Tripura’s last border town Sabroom, the flow of goods across the bridge is considered important not only for the state but also for the entire northeast region. The bridge also connects to the Matarbari deep sea port in Bangladesh.

Further, the bridge will enhance transport links and foster greater economic and cultural exchanges, thus playing a crucial role in regional integration and development. The opening of Maitri Setu not only enhances connectivity within India’s northeastern region but also provides landlocked countries like Bhutan and Nepal with direct access to the Bay of Bengal.

Additionally, the bridge opens a new maritime route from Kolkata to Chittagong, providing a faster alternative to the Sittwe Port-Kaladan route. The Indian-built Sittwe port, located in the Rakhine state of Myanmar, was inaugurated in May 2023. The Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Corridor links the port to Mizoram in northeastern India. The corridor also includes India’s broader engagement with the thriving economies of Southeast Asia.

Maitri Setu, addressing NE India’s connectivity challenges

India’s northeast, a region rich in natural resources, has long struggled with inadequate connectivity. The northeast region contributes about 2.8% to the nation’s GDP, barely tapping its vast potential.

Being a landlocked region, the NE economy has faced significant challenges when it comes to supply and trade. Its only link to the rest of India is a narrow 22-kilometer Siliguri Corridor, commonly referred to as the “chicken neck.” The presence of a single freight corridor through the Siliguri Corridor makes it susceptible to any unexpected interruption or breakdown.

This limited connection results in unnecessarily lengthy trade routes and road journeys. For example, traveling from Agartala in Tripura to the nearest port in Kolkata requires a 1,600-kilometer road journey through Siliguri.

A significant portion of the overall exports from the Northeastern states is shipped through border points within the region. This is attributed to the landlocked nature of the Northeast, necessitating that export consignments pass through seaports and airports located outside the region.

Maitri Setu offers a direct access for Tripura to the seaport of Chittagong through Ramgarh, enhancing trade link between the Rest of India with NE and NE and Bangladesh. (India’s border with Bangladesh stretches for 4,096.7 km. Of this, 1,880 km is shared by four Northeastern states—Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram—while the remaining 2,216.7 km is shared with West Bengal.)

Among the key industries that are likely to experience positive impacts of improved trade links include Bamboo industry (nearly two-fifths of India’s bamboo stock is located in the Northeast region), Tourism (developing of tourist circuits, homestays and viewpoints), and food processing (boosted by Northeast region’s surplus agricultural and horticultural produce).

The Maitri Setu will provide the fastest land route to connect the India’s landlocked North East region via Sabroom to the Chittagong port, facilitating passenger movement from both countries. It will enable travel from Bangladesh’s southern districts, including Cox’s Bazar and the Chattogram Hill Tracts, to India via Tripura, as well as facilitate international cargo movement from the Chattogram seaport. Currently people from Bangladesh and Tripura commute through two integrated check points (ICP)– Akhaura (Agartala) and Srimantapur (Sonamura) – which connect central part of Bangladesh including Dhaka.

The robust bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh showcase a comprehensive partnership that surpasses a mere strategic alliance, built on trust and mutual understanding. The Friendship Bridge has unlocked new opportunities for trade and communication between Southeast Asian countries and India’s northeastern region, providing a crucial connectivity link to the Bay of Bengal.

To read the entire article, please visit the link below:

Maitri Setu: A bridge to enhance regional connectivity and trade | India Business and Trade

The Maitri Setu will enhances connectivity in India's northeastern region, positioning Tripura as a gateway to Southeast Asia.

www.indiabusinesstrade.in

 

[Saif]

Maitri Setu: 1.9km Long Bridge Over Feni River in Tripura To Link India-Bangladesh. Details Here

The Maitri Setu bridge has been built over Feni river which flows between the Indian boundary in Tripura and Bangladesh.

www.india.com

Maitri Setu: 1.9km Long Bridge Over Feni River in Tripura To Link India-Bangladesh. Details Here
The Maitri Setu bridge has been built over Feni river which flows between the Indian boundary in Tripura and Bangladesh.
Published: March 9, 2021 11:19 AM IST
By India.com News Desk |Edited by Kritika Bansal

PM Modi will inaugurate Maitri Setu between India and Bangladesh on Tuesday.

Sabroom (Tripura): The much-awaited Maitri Setu bridge between Sabroom (Tripura) and Ramgarh in Bangladesh over river Feni became operational from March 9. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘Maitri Setu’ between India and Bangladesh on Tuesday via video conferencing. Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple infrastructure projects in Tripura during the event.

Rodic Consultants Pvt Ltd, a pan-India infrastructure consultancy firm, has successfully completed the 1.9 km long ‘Maitri Setu’ project over river Feni.

Speaking on the completion of the project, Raj Kumar, CMD, Rodic Consultants Pvt Ltd. said, “We are delighted with our contribution towards the construction of this key bridge, which will go a long way in enhancing economic growth and improving the relations between India and Bangladesh. With continued government support and our high calibre project teams with world class execution capabilities, we look forward to working on such projects that not only boost infrastructure but also foster stronger ties.”

Maitri-Setu Bridge Opens New Chapter: All You Need To Know​

1. The bridge ‘Maitri Setu’ has been built over Feni river which flows between Indian boundary in Tripura State and Bangladesh.​
2. The 1.9 Km long bridge joins Sabroom in India with Ramgarh in Bangladesh. It is poised to herald a new chapter for trade and people to people movement between India and Bangladesh.​
3. The name ‘Maitri Setu’ symbolises growing bilateral relations and friendly ties between India and Bangladesh. The construction was taken up by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd at a project cost of Rs 133 crore.​
4. With this bridge, Tripura is set to become the ‘Gateway of North East’ with access to Chittagong Port of Bangladesh, which is just 80 km from Sabroom.​
5. PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone for setting up an Integrated Check Post at Sabroom. It will help ease the movement of goods and passengers between the two countries, provide new market opportunities for products of North East states and assist seamless movement of passengers to and from India and Bangladesh.​
6. PM Modi will also inaugurate state highways and other district roads, developed by the state government with a financial outlay of Rs 63.75 crore. They will provide all weather connectivity to the people of Tripura.​
7. PM Modi will inaugurate 40,978 houses constructed under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), completed with the financial outlay of Rs 813 crore.​
8. Foundation stone of NH 208 connecting the Unakoti district headquarters at Kailashahar with the Khowai district headquarters will also be laid. It will provide an alternative route to the NH 44. The 80 Km NH 208 project has been taken up by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited with a project cost of Rs 1,078 crore.​