Trade between Tripura and Bangladesh has witnessed a significant increase following the formation of the BJP government in the state, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Sunday.

Addressing an event at the Influential Persons meet of the 8-Town Bordowali Assembly Constituency, as part of the celebration of nine years of PM Modi's leadership, the Chief Minister expressed how the development of connectivity, facilitated by PM Modi's efforts, has not only led to industrial growth but also boosted trade relations between Tripura and Bangladesh.

“The trade between Tripura and Bangladesh has experienced a substantial increase. In the fiscal year 2017-2018, the trade amount was Rs 390.68 crore, which has now risen to Rs 758.9 crore in 2022-23. This indicates the massive development taking place in Tripura. Furthermore, we have exported goods worth Rs 121.37 crore to Bangladesh this year”, said the Chief Minister.

Emphasizing the transformative impact of the Maitri Setu at Sabroom in South district, the Chief Minister stated that it would serve as the gateway to Southeast Asia, fundamentally changing the face of Tripura and the Northeast region. The bridge's functionality would result in decreased prices of goods in villages and generate employment opportunities.

The Chief Minister further said that the present government and Prime Minister Modi are sincerely working for the development of the tribal population in the state, as the BJP has no intention to deprive anyone.

"Our government is committed to the development of the tribal population, with 17 more Eklavya schools coming up in tribal areas. The way PM is working for the tribal communities, no previous PM has done anything like this. There are some issues regarding the Kokborok language in the state, but our government has introduced Kokborok as a special subject in 1,400 schools. Our BJP government has a good relationship with IPFT. We want tribal and non-tribal communities to live together. We have no intention to deprive anyone because the previous CPIM government was known as the government of the deprived," said Dr. Saha.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister said that the way PM Modi is working for the development of the country and for Tripura is unprecedented.

"Due to the Act East Policy, connectivity through national highways, airways, and waterways has been developed, which we never saw earlier. A feeling of inclusion is prevailing in the Northeast. During meetings with other Chief Ministers of the Northeast, they have expressed that they now feel included in the mainstream of India," he said.

The CM has also highlighted the development work that was done in the past nine years under the leadership of PM Modi.

The Chief Minister proudly listed various accomplishments of the BJP government, such as providing financial assistance to over 2.47 lakh farmers, increasing their annual income to Rs 13,500. Additionally, approximately 3.7 lakh farmers received loans through the Krishin Credit Card (KCC) scheme. The government prioritized healthcare by issuing 13 lakh Ayushman cards, while also focusing on the development of children and women by distributing free bicycles to 1 lakh girl students. Significant progress has been made in infrastructure development, with the construction of over 2,000 kilometers of roads in the state.