On February 3, 2022, Chief Minister of Tripura Biplab Kumar Deb laid the foundation stone for Kamalpur-Kurmaghat border haat between India and Bangladesh.

Highlights

• The border haat will be constructed in Dhalai district.
• This project will further boost trade relations between both the countries. It will strengthen the cultural and emotional ties between both.

Background

The cultural and trade ties between India and Bangladesh started under the leadership of founding father of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Significance of Tripura

Tripura is considered to play crucial role in India-Bangladesh friendship. This state was at the centre of Bangladesh’s Liberation War against Pakistan atrocities in 1971. It had sheltered 15 lakh East Pakistani refugees and hosted training camps and shelters for liberation warriors (Muktijoddhas).

About the third border haat

The third border haat of Tripura will be opened at Kamalpur. It would be spread over an area of 75 square meters. It is likely to be able to accommodate 100 vendors on each side.

Operational Border Haat

Two border Haats are already operational at Kamalasagar in Sipahijala district and at Srinagar in South Tripura.

When did countries identified locations for border haat?

Authorities from India and Bangladesh had identified locations for three additional border haats in February, 2020. Locations were identified along the Tripura-Bangladesh frontiers. The proposed locations were:

1. Paharmura of Khowai district
2. Jagarampur of Sepahijala and
3. Bamutia of West Tripura district.

What is Border Haats?

Border Haats are unique modes of duty-free trading post, along India-Bangladesh border. At this space, locally grown products are sold to people, who are living within a radius of 5 Km of the Haat. Products are sold on specific days of the week. Border haats were conceptualized for promoting wellbeing of people from remote areas across the India-Bangladesh Border. It is jointly organised by governments of Bangladesh and India. This place not only act as a market for locals and tourists to buy daily commodities but also act as a reunion spot for families living along the international border of India and Bangladesh.

By: Brijesh Kumar