Political Turmoil In Bangladesh Halts Key Connectivity Projects In Tripura; Maitri Setu Bridge Remains Non-Operational

The sudden collapse of Sheikh Hasina's government in Bangladesh has jeopardised key connectivity and trade projects critical to Tripura's economic growth.

Among these is the Maitri Setu bridge over the Feni River in Sabroom, South Tripura, inaugurated jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina in March 2021.

Despite its promise of enhanced connectivity between the Northeast and Kolkata via Chittagong and Mongla ports, the 1.9-km bridge, built at a cost of Rs 133 crore, faces an uncertain future.

Political turmoil in Bangladesh, triggered by a student uprising in August that forced Hasina to flee, has stalled the planned commencement of passenger movement across the bridge.

The Rs 230-crore Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Sabroom, strategically positioned as a gateway to Southeast Asia, also remains non-functional due to the instability.

Similarly, the Agartala-Akhaura rail link, inaugurated in November 2023 by Modi and Hasina, has not been operationalized. The 15-km rail link, constructed at a cost of Rs 972 crore, is expected to significantly reduce the distance between Agartala and Kolkata, slashing travel time from 31 hours to 10-12 hours. The viability of a RS 635-crore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Sabroom also hangs in the balance due to the regime change in Dhaka.

“Things have changed in Tripura post August 5 (when Hasina resigned and fled Bangladesh). Local economies have been badly affected. Limited trade, minimal truckloads of exchange, downsizing of the hospitality sector, etc., are visible in the short run,” economist Indranil Bhowmik said.

Tripura faced additional challenges in 2023, including its worst floods in decades, which claimed 38 lives and caused damage worth Rs 15,000 crore. The state government announced a Rs 564-crore relief package, but special funds from the Centre are still awaited.

Communal harmony in the state also took a hit, with two major incidents of violence reported. In July, 70 shops and houses were set ablaze in Gandatwisa, Dhalai district, following the death of a tribal youth. In October, communal tensions flared again in Kadamtala, North Tripura, when a Muslim trader was shot dead by police.

Tripura made national headlines in December when Hindu activists breached the security of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, vandalized property, and removed the Bangladeshi flag.

Seven people were arrested, and three police officers were suspended. The Ministry of External Affairs termed the incident “deeply regrettable” and issued an apology.

On a positive note, the state witnessed a mass surrender of militants from the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF), leading Chief Minister Manik Saha to declare Tripura “insurgent-free.”

Additionally, a peace accord was signed with Tipra Motha, a prominent tribal party, addressing indigenous issues ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.