SHILLONG, March 4: Cabinet Minister Rakkam A Sangma has emphasized that Bangladesh remains the natural market for trade and commerce for Meghalaya, particularly for the people of Garo Hills and Baghmara, given its proximity. “Dhaka is more closer than Shillong, Dhaka is more closer than Guwahati for the people of Garo Hills and Baghmara. In fact, because of political boundaries, we cannot have trade and commerce with neighboring countries. Bangladesh is our market in all aspects,” he stated.
Sangma, along with MLAs Kartush R Marak (Baghmara) and Sengchim N Sangma (Chokpot), met Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday to submit a memorandum proposing an extension of the railway line from Mendipathar to Baghmara, with the long-term goal of connecting it to Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Speaking to the media, Sangma addressed concerns regarding India-Bangladesh relations, asserting that the current political climate in Bangladesh is temporary. “As of now, the condition of Bangladesh is a different story, but this will not continue once the government of Bangladesh or the political scenario improves. We are not saying it will happen today, but at the end of the day, this political situation in Bangladesh will not continue for a long time. This will be resolved, and a conducive environment will return,” he said.
Highlighting the economic potential of the region, Sangma noted that Meghalaya, particularly Garo Hills, is rich in agricultural produce and natural resources but lacks a proper market. “Meghalaya in general and Garo Hills in particular are very fertile—the vegetables, fruits, oranges, and natural resources—where do we sell them? We don’t have a market. Dhaka is more closer than Shillong, is more closer than Guwahati for the people of Garo Hills and Baghmara. In fact, because of the political boundaries, we cannot have proper trade and commerce with the neighboring country. Look, Bangladesh is our market in all respects for export and import also,” he reiterated.
Explaining the significance of the railway expansion, Sangma stressed that connectivity to Baghmara, either via Nangol or Tura, would be a game changer. “The three MLAs from the district have met the Chief Minister together and submitted a memorandum and petition for the extension of the railway line from Mendipathar to Baghmara, either via Nangol or via Tura. It is for the ministry and the government to decide, because if we get this connectivity, nothing like it. CM will definitely take up the matter with the ministry, and we are hopeful. Maybe it may not happen today, maybe not tomorrow, but it will certainly happen—maybe the day after, in one or two weeks, or in the years to come. The Government of India is reaching every nook and corner, providing connectivity, be it railway or air connectivity. I am sure our CM will take up the matter with the Ministry of Railways, and I am positive because the Government of India may not say no to this,” he asserted.
He further emphasized the broader economic and strategic benefits, stating that the proposal includes extending the railway to Dhaka. “The Government of India will have to take it up with the Government of Bangladesh, because Dhaka and Northeast are not far away. If this railway connects Baghmara to Meghalaya, to Northeast India, to India, the South Asian and Pacific region—many countries will come to India through Baghmara. That will definitely boost the economy and tourism in the region. Also, to say, before Independence, Baghmara or the Garo Hills region was well connected to the neighboring countries for trade and commerce,” he said.
When asked about concerns in Khasi and Jaintia Hills regarding railway expansion, Sangma dismissed any apprehensions, citing public support in Garo Hills. “Garo Hills is already connected to Mendipathar. I think the citizens of Garo Hills are happy to get connected by railway line. I don’t think anyone will say no,” he remarked.