Transshipment activities under a revised protocol between Bangladesh and India formally kicked off today as Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan formally declared the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade effective at Ashuganj river port, 85 km off capital Dhaka and 60 km off Agartala, India.

"This transshipment would not only benefit shippers and truck owners but also improve local roads and generate employment," the minister said while inaugurating the first consignment from India by a Bangladeshi lighterage destined for Agartala.

Prime Minister's Advisor on Economic Affairs Dr Moshiur Rahman, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Chairman of National Board of Revenue (NBR) Nozibur Rahman, among others, were present.

Shajahan Khsan said deliberate confusions were injected into peoples' mind by a quarter regarding the transshipment and they didn't even hesitate to say that 'Bangladesh would turn to buffer state of India with this kind of protocol.'

"It's time for them to take lesson and see whether Bangladesh still exists as an independent country after the river transportation between two neighbors began," the minister said, reminding the quarter to shun the path of hypocrisy- India is enemy when in opposition and friend while in power.

The minister said Begum Zia has shaken hands with Israel and its secret agency Mossad to return to power and she could do anything for her personal and family gains.