Distribution of Indian identity passes begins in Panchagarh

The distribution of temporary travel-cum-identity passes to those opting to retain their Indian nationality in the erstwhile Indian enclaves in Bangladesh began in the district on Monday.

Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Pankaj Saran inaugurated the first camp for distributing the identity passes at Debiganj Upazila Rest House around 11am.

Additional District Magistrate Mohammad Golam Azam presided over the inaugural programme.

Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Dhaka Sandip Mitra, First Secretary Romakanto Gupto and Debiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Safiqul Islam were also present at the programme.

The distribution of temporary travel-cum-identity passes has also begun in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram districts.

As per the agreement reached between India and Bangladesh, all the identified Indian nationals will finally cross over to India through designated check-posts by November 30, 2015, according to Indian High Commission in Dhaka.

On June 6, Bangladesh and India signed and exchanged the historic instruments of ratification on Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) formalising the long-pending issue between the two countries.

Bangladesh Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque and Indian External Affairs Secretary Dr S Jaishankar exchanged the documents on behalf of their respective countries.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee witnessed the exchange of ratification instruments.

The LBA was implemented with effect from the midnight of July 31, 2015, ending the prolonged sufferings of those living in enclaves on both sides of Bangladesh and India.