Lien Logistique - Learning from Bangladesh's 20% Solution

Core Theme

International Model Adaptation

Key Research Questions

• How did Bangladesh achieve 20% freight share through rail rehabilitation?
• Which financing mechanisms and partnerships enabled their railway revival?
• How can Haiti adapt the Bangladesh model to Caribbean conditions and scale?

Central Narrative

Bangladesh transformed its railway system from near-collapse to carrying 20% of national freight through strategic rehabilitation of meter-gauge lines and targeted freight corridors. This case study examines their phased approach, international partnerships, and innovative financing structures. The analysis identifies specific lessons applicable to Haiti's geography, economy, and institutional capacity.

Mango Connection

Bangladesh moves 2 million tons of agricultural products annually by rail - including mangoes from Rajshahi to Dhaka. Their cold-storage rail cars maintain fruit quality over 12-hour journeys, a model Haiti could adapt for mango exports.

Key Sources to Pursue

• Bangladesh Railway Ministry officials
• World Bank project documentation
• Asian Development Bank feasibility studies
• Freight operator interviews
• Agricultural export statistics and logistics data

Comparative Analysis Framework

• Geographic similarities (river deltas, seasonal flooding)
• Economic parallels (agricultural export dependence)
• Infrastructure challenges (limited road networks)
• Institutional capacity building approaches