Border Remains Open For Medical Needs Despite Bangladesh's Import-export Suspension

The political situation in Bangladesh is getting worse every day. Amid the turbulent situation in the Asian nation, thousands of Bangladeshis continue to cross the border for medical treatment in India. Despite the sudden suspension of import-export by the country’s government on Monday, passenger transit across the border remained open. It was closed after the country went under the rule of the Army as PM Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the nation.

Every year many people come to India to get proper medical treatment in various hospitals across the country. As the unrest grew, cross-border movement increased significantly between the countries. In a conversation with Local 18, Bangladeshi citizen Md. Latif said, “I came to India for treatment. I have an appointment with a doctor from Malda. The situation in our country is very bad. The Prime Minister has resigned and fled the country.”

The students of the country were protesting against a rule that was enforced by the government. In this situation, Indian residents are comparatively less inclined to visit Bangladesh. Indians presently in Bangladesh are also returning hurriedly by any means they are getting as transport services are suspended. The Indian citizens who are stuck there are presently using Land ports to return to their homeland. Deshdulal Chakraborty, an official at Mahadipur Land Port, said, “Bangladeshi citizens often cross the border for medical treatment. However, the traffic has decreased significantly. Many Bangladeshis are stuck here since the transport facilities are suspended, and we are making appropriate arrangements for them.”

Through the Mahadipur Land Port in Malda, a large number of people cross the border daily. However, the number of passengers has reduced significantly in these few days. Presently, only Bangladeshi citizens are coming to India. Most of these people are coming here solely for medical treatment. Even those who are returning to Bangladesh at this time had mostly come to India for medical reasons. Despite the situation, several Bangladeshi residents mentioned that they have to visit India as there are lack of proper medical facilities in their country.

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