Three years of enclave exchange celebrated in Panchagarh

The people of 36 former enclaves in different upazilas of Panchagarh yesterday observed the third anniversary of the implementation of India-Bangladesh enclave exchange deal.

The deal gave them access to different government facilities as citizens of Bangladesh, which helps them enjoy a better life. 

At midnight on July 31 in 2015, 51 Bangladeshi enclaves inside Indian territory and 111 Indian enclaves in Panchagarh, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat and Nilphamari districts inside Bangladesh were attached to the respective countries.

Residents of the former enclaves in Panchagarh chalked out various programmes, including celebratory procession, placing of floral wreaths and lighting of torches and candles, marking the third anniversary of the historic exchange of the adversely possessed lands.

People of the former enclaves, public representatives and government officials took part in placing of floral wreaths at the Shaheed Minar on the premises of Mofizar Rahman College at former Garati enclave in Panchagarh Sadar upazila at 12:0am yesterday. 

Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Jahirul Islam formally inaugurated the celebration by hoisting the national flag at the college premises, which was followed by a procession that passed through different village streets and ended at the college ground.

People from all walks of life took part in the programme spontaneously.

After the procession, a discussion was held at the same venue where the speakers thanked the government for initiating different development works to provide basic civic amenities for improving the lives of the former enclave people.     

The works include providing electricity connection, setting up schools, colleges, police camps and community clinics, and developing roads.  

About 40,000 people living in 111 enclaves got identity as Bangladesh nationals.

Thirty-six of the former Indian enclaves belong to Panchagarh.