Kurigram, Sep 27 (V7N)- The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of Rajibpur Upazila has submitted an official application to the upazila administration, requesting the permanent closure of the joint border haat located between Balimari in Kurigram, Bangladesh, and Kalai, India. The haat has remained closed since the fall of the previous government, but recent efforts to reopen it have sparked concerns among local residents.

In the petition submitted on Thursday, Jamaat-e-Islami leaders expressed grave concerns about the potential negative impacts of reopening the haat, citing threats to national security, sovereignty, and local economic interests. They argued that the border area's proximity to India could lead to an increase in illicit activities, including drug and arms trafficking, which could destabilize the local community.

The petition highlighted that the re-establishment of the border haat could lead to a surge in the smuggling of narcotics such as alcohol, ganja, yaba, and other illegal substances, which would particularly endanger the youth of Rajibpur and Roumari Upazilas. Local traders also fear that competition from Indian goods would harm their businesses, exacerbating trade imbalances between the two countries.

The petitioners stressed the importance of considering the long-term consequences, stating that the reopening of the haat might increase crime rates and disrupt the daily lives of local residents. They further argued that border haats might be exploited for illegal arms trade, posing a significant risk to the security of both Bangladesh and India.

In their appeal, the petitioners urged the upazila administration to take the matter seriously and to permanently close the haat to safeguard local interests. Copies of the petition were also sent to key government officials, including the Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, the Divisional Commissioner of Rangpur, and the Superintendent of Police of Kurigram.

The submission of this application has created widespread interest among the local population, with many awaiting the upazila administration’s response. Rajibpur Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Tanveer Ahmed confirmed the receipt of the petition and indicated that the matter would be carefully reviewed.

As the debate over the reopening of the joint border haat intensifies, the decision of the authorities will likely have a significant impact on the future of cross-border trade in this region.

END/MI/AJ