Corridor through Myanmar can cut Bangladesh-China freight time to 24hrs: Commerce minister

Bangladesh can transport goods to China within 24 hours by road if it becomes part of the China-Myanmar economic corridor, Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said today (28 June).

The minister made the remarks while speaking to reporters after attending a workshop and reception programme for newly enrolled lawyers at the Sylhet District Bar Association.

He said China had already granted duty-free access to all Bangladeshi products, adding that Bangladesh's priority now is to attract more Chinese investment.

Muktadir also said the cabinet had recently approved the establishment of an 800-acre Chinese industrial park in Chattogram, which he expects will help strengthen bilateral economic ties.

Referring to the prime minister's recent visit to China, the minister expressed optimism that Bangladesh would see a significant inflow of Chinese investment in the coming years.

"The prime minister held meetings with the Chinese premier, senior leaders and major investors during the visit. As a result, we expect substantial Chinese investment in Bangladesh, which will also help reduce the trade deficit," he said.

Responding to a question about criticism over the management committee of the Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) shrine in Sylhet, Muktadir said no one had been appointed to the committee on political grounds.

"The committee was formed through due process and in accordance with the rules," he added.

Earlier, addressing the reception programme as the chief guest, the minister said lawyers play a crucial role in establishing the rule of law, ensuring justice and maintaining social order.

He said a culture of impunity weakens both the rule of law and the social contract, adding that legal professionals are instrumental in protecting citizens' constitutional rights, including equality, freedom from discrimination, the right to life and personal liberty, and freedom of expression.

Muktadir also stressed the need to construct a new building for the Sylhet District Bar Association and establish a modern, regular training system to enhance lawyers' professional skills.

He said continuous training on artificial intelligence (AI), legal research, case analysis and courtroom advocacy would improve lawyers' capabilities and help produce more competent lawyers and judges in the future.

The minister also said he had pledged during the election campaign to make combating online gambling a priority.

He said a new law proposing tougher penalties for online gambling had already been placed before parliament and expressed hope that it would be passed after completing the legislative process.

He also highlighted the government's initiative to establish special tribunals to expedite the trial of drug-related offences.

The programme, chaired by Sylhet District Bar Association President Advocate Golam Yahya Chowdhury (Suhel), was attended by General Secretary Advocate Md Zubayer Bakht Zuber, acting District and Sessions Judge Mohammad Erfan Ullah, Divisional Special Judge M Ali Ahmed, Chief Judicial Magistrate Md Hasam Imam, Senior Judicial Magistrate Sudipta Talukdar, Metropolitan Magistrate Saiful Islam, leaders of the bar association, political figures and journalists.