After inaugurating the Dhaka–Kolkata cruise service on March 31, the government is going to sign another standard operating procedure (SoP) with Bhutan on the use of inland waterways for transportation of bilateral trade and transit cargoes.

The Bhutanese government has prepared a draft of the SoP on the use of inland waterways for the transportation of bilateral trade and transit cargoes between Bangladesh and Bhutan, which is now being scrutinised by the ministries concerned, said sources in the foreign ministry.

After receiving the draft MoU, the foreign ministry was seeking opinions of the ministries concerned before finalising it, the sources added.

“The SoP intends to promote and facilitate day-to-day commercial operations of vessels plying between the two countries in accordance with the MoU and to minimise unnecessary hindrances in realising optimum benefits for both the countries,” says the draft SoP.

“The SoP will apply to all related public authorities, shipping companies, business firms and vessels involved in transportation of cargos using the riverine routes and seaports of Bangladesh under the MoU,” the draft SoP added.

“Relevant fees/charges may be levied for the use of coastal and river port facilities and services as per the domestic and relevant international laws and conventions,” the draft SoP added.

In the SoP, the authorities have selected the entry and exit points of both countries. Samdrup Jongkhar, Gelegphug, Sarpang, Phuentsholing and Samtse of Bhutan and Monghalhat, Noonkhawa, Dalkhawa, Nakugaon, Haluaghat, Banglabandha, Burimari, Tarnabil, Narayanganj, Gobrakurakoraitoli, Mongla seaport and Chattogram seaport of Bangladesh have been selected as the exit and entry points in the draft SoP.

“In case of imports not reaching their destinations, the customs officials of both countries will get in contact so as to trace the movement of the goods. In case the goods are found to have been diverted intentionally or purposely into Bangladesh, the Bangladesh authorities will invoke the guarantee,” the draft SoP says.