The long march towards Agartala organised today by three BNP affiliate groups is underway.
Law enforcement and land port authorities have already made preparations in Brahmanbaria to avoid any untoward incident at the border.
Jubo Dal, Swachhasevak Dal and Chhatra Dal organised the programme to protest the attack on Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala, desecration of the national flag, misinformation against Bangladesh in the Indian media, unwanted interference in the internal affairs of Bangladesh and conspiracy to create communal riots.
The long march started from Nayapaltan in the capital at 9:00am and it will reach the Akhaura border by evening, traveling through Narayanganj, and Narsingdi by road.
As of 12:30pm the march reached Kishoreganj and a roadside rally will be held at Bhairab intersection.
“We want to send a message of friendship, not dominance, from the Long March,” said Brahmanbaria District Jubo Dal President Shamim Mollah.
He said that 30,000 to 40,000 people are expected to gather in the rally. Preparations have already been completed locally to implement the programme.
Meanwhile, Brahmanbaria district police super Jabedur Rahman, BGB-60 battalion captain Lt. Colonel A M Jaber Bin Jabbar held a discussion with BNP leaders on the occasion of the long march.
Brahmanbaria Superintendent of Police Mohammad Jabedur Rahman said that 200 police personnel were deployed around 350 yards from the Bangladesh-India border.
He said, vigilance has been increased to ensure that the law and order situation does not deteriorate in any way.
In addition, BGB-60 Captain Lt Col Jabbar said that a large number of BGB members have been deployed in the area of Akhaura land port and immigration check post due to the BNP’s long March programme. BGB members are on alert to avoid any kind of chaos at the border.
Traders at the land port have reported that goods will be exported to India till midday.
Akhaura International Immigration Checkpost authorities said that passengers holding passports of the two countries will continue to cross during this period.
