Meghalaya CM Calls for Stronger Ties with Bangladesh

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has called for strengthening relations with Bangladesh, saying closer cooperation could benefit both sides economically and socially.

Speaking to journalists at an event in Shillong, he said discussions have already begun at the local level between the two countries. He added that reviving border haats (temporary weekly markets), trade, and cultural exchanges could significantly boost the economy of India’s northeastern region.

He said, “We will have to work together with Bangladesh in the future. It will benefit both countries.”

Sangma described the current strain in bilateral relations as temporary and said efforts are underway to rebuild engagement following political changes in Bangladesh.

He also claimed that people-to-people communication between the two sides continues at the local level.

He said, “The border ‘haats’ that were closed after the political unrest in 2024 need to be reopened.”

According to him, restoring small-scale border trade, as practiced earlier, could bring major changes to trade and transport systems in India’s northeast. He also mentioned the idea of a transport corridor from Hili in West Bengal through Bangladesh to Mahendraganj in Meghalaya.

He said such a route would allow easier access to Chattogram port and reduce transportation costs. However, he also raised concerns over infiltration and illegal migration.

Sangma said strict monitoring is necessary to protect border security and national interests. Referring to border fencing in West Bengal, he said security concerns are separate, but people-to-people relations can still be maintained.