55,528 travelled through Benapole in 13 days

The number of passenger crossings through Benapole International Check-post has increased after the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.

In the last 13 days (May 1 to 13, 2022), 55,528 passengers have travelled between Bangladesh and India through the Benapole International Check-post, reports our local correspondent quoting immigration sources.

Among the travellers, 19,689 have gone to India and 15,539 returned from India.

The number of immigration counters has already been increased at Benapole to provide proper services to the passengers, said the sources.

Aminur Rahman, who was going to India, told The Daily Star that he could not travel earlier due to the conditions imposed for Covid-19. As the conditions have been relaxed now, he was going to India for treatment, he said.

Although passengers' suffering has decreased a little at Benapole, it has increased at India's Petrapole immigration due to the lack of manpower.

"More than 4,000 passengers are going to India through Benapole every day, Raju Ahmed, officer-in-charge of Benapole Immigration, told this correspondent.

The number of immigration counters has already been increased to provide better services to passengers. Separate counters were also set up for patients, the elderly and freedom fighters, the OC said.

The Indian immigration authorities have been requested to take necessary measures so that the passengers can complete their formality there at the earliest, he added.