Highlights:
- The border haat will be constructed in Dhalai district.
- This project will help to strengthen trade ties between the two countries.
- It will deepen both parties’ cultural and emotional bonds.
What is in the News?
Biplab Kumar Deb, the Chief Minister of Tripura, laid the foundation stone for the Kamalpur-Kurmaghat border haat between India and Bangladesh on February 3, 2022.
Background
Bangladesh’s cultural and trade relations with India began under the leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s (Bangladesh) founding father.
Significance of Tripura
Tripura is said to be important in the India-Bangladesh friendship. In 1971, this state was the epicenter of Bangladesh’s Liberation War against Pakistani atrocities. It housed 15 lakh East Pakistani refugees and hosted training camps and refugee camps for freedom fighters (Muktijoddhas).
The third border haat
At Kamalpur, Tripura’s third border haat will be inaugurated. It would take up a total of 75 sq. mt. It is believed that each side will be able to accommodate 100 businesses.
Operational Border Haat
At Kamalasagar in Sipahijala district and Srinagar in South Tripura, two border Haats are already operational.
When countries did identified locations for border haat?
In February 2020, Indian and Bangladeshi authorities discovered three additional border haat places. Along the Tripura-Bangladesh border, locations were discovered.
The following locations were suggested:
Khowai district’s Paharmura, Sepahijala district’s Jagarampur, and West Tripura district’s Bamutia.
What exactly are Border Haats?
Border Haats are one-of-a-kind duty-free trading destinations along the India-Bangladesh border. Locally cultivated items are offered here to persons living within a 5-kilometer radius of the Haat. Products are only available on certain days of the week. Border haats were created to improve the lives of people living in rural locations along the India-Bangladesh border. It is co-organized by the Bangladeshi and Indian governments. This location serves as a market for locals and tourists to purchase everyday necessities, as well as a gathering site for families living along India’s international border with Bangladesh.
