DHAKA: In a significant development, a long march led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliate organizations—Jubo Dal, Swechcha Sevak Dal, and Chhatra Dal—reached the Akhaura Integrated Checkpost on the Indian border.
The march was organized in response to protests in Agartala over alleged atrocities against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh and the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das.
The rally started at Nayapaltan in Dhaka at around 10 a.m. IST and covered an approximately 2,000-strong vehicle convoy. Referring to the reason for taking up the process, Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna said, "have started this march toward Akhaura to put forth our demand and get justice. Our rally started around about 9:30 am Bangladesh time from BNP's central office."
As the march reached Akhaura, tensions mounted on Bangladesh's side of the border. BNP-affiliated activists exhorted local traders to close down shops and join the protest. But most of the traders were defiant and kept their shops running. Even though it was a massive protest, the border trade between India and Bangladesh did not suffer much during the first part of the day.
Agartala trader Bimay Roy reports of the day: "So, international trade has been moving normally so far. Twelve lorries carrying fish, six carrying plastics, and two lorries containing dried fish were brought from Bangladesh today. Trade and people's movement will stop afterward as it will be stopped at around 2:00 after noon considering security issues due to the march approaching Akhaura."
On the Indian side, security was enhanced manifold to ensure safety and avoid any disruption. Barricades, water cannons, and a large deployment of Border Security Force (BSF), Tripura State Rifles (TSR), and local police personnel were in place. Kiran Kumar K, Superintendent of Police for the West District, personally oversaw the arrangements, noting, "Adequate BSF jawans, police, and TSR personnel have been deployed. We are prepared to address any contingencies."
Ample security measures were provided around the Akhaura border where local residents prepared sweets in packets to welcome marchers who would be arriving amid high tensions of a political event. "India is known for hospitality and sweets," said a local resident. "We wish to welcome the marchers with a smile and a taste of our traditions."
The march will likely to reach Akhaura between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. IST as the most critical time of this protest. Since both of the countries are working on so many diplomatic issues, the trade issues, and grassroots activity, the day reminds that how many deep ties and tensions characterize that region.
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