Indian cargo ships ply in Bangladesh

Indian cargo ships ply in the Bangladesh territory under "the protocol on inland water transit and trade", signed between Bangladesh and India, Shipping Minister MK Anwar told the Jatiya Sangsad Monday, reports BSS. Replying a question from Mostafa Rashidi Shuja (AL-Khulna), Shipping Minister said Indian ships can not an-chor in the Bangladesh ports excepting Sheikh-Bari, Khulna, Barisal, Chandpur,Sirajganj,Bahaduraba d, Chilmari, Narayanganj, Bhairab Bazar, Ajmiriganj Markuli, Sherpur, Fenchuganj and Zakiganj. Indain ships can anchor in these river ports for unloading goods, refuelling and by buying essentials, he said. The Minister said the Indian government mainly bears the expenses of maintenance of navigability of the routes they use. He said approved ships ply on eight protocol routes in both the countries.