The India-Bangladesh cross-border bus service, a popular mode of transportation between the two neighbors, was launched on Friday from Agartala, Tripura, with the goal of increasing tourism and people-to-people ties. See here;
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, both the countries had suspended the train and bus services to avoid the spread of the virus. However, on May 29, this year, passenger train services — Maitree Express and Bandhan Express — between both sides resumed.
The Maitree Express train service between Kolkata and Dhaka resumed with 165 passengers on board.
Notably, the flights between India and Bangladesh were resumed on September 03, 2021, after a long hiatus. Air travel services between the two countries were suspended because of the Covid outbreak.
India-Bangladesh relationship at a glance;
India played an important role in the Bangladesh’s War of Liberation in 1971 as it helped the then, East Pakistan turns into a new country, Bangladesh and this redefined the socio-political as well as the economic status of South Asia.
India was the first country who recognized Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign state. And, diplomatic relations were established with the country briefly after its independence in December 1971.
India had also signed a 25-year ‘Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation’ With Bangladesh. At present, India and other share numerous civilizational links, and diplomatic, economic, and security ties which have emerged in stronger bilateral relations between the two countries at present time.
This similarity is reflected in our multi-dimensional and expanding relations with Bangladesh. The geographical locations of our country and Bangladesh complement each other and provide a plethora of opportunities for both the countries to further enhance their connectivity links and economies.
Bangladesh holds a place of great importance for India, as it is an immediate neighbor and also an important pillar of India’s ‘Neighborhood First Policy’.
The History behind the transport system between our country and Bangladesh;
Transport between our country and Bangladesh is historically and politically significant for both countries, which had no ground transportation links for 43 years, beginning with the partition of Bengal and India in 1947.
The primary road links between the two countries are the Kolkata–Dhaka Bus (1999) and the Dhaka–Agartala Bus (2001); a direct Kolkata–Agartala route running through Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, is being developed by both countries.
