Rail and air communication between India and Bangladesh has been suspended affecting the cross-border trade and travel of people of the two neighbouring countries.
Indian airlines such as Air India and IndiGo suspended all flights to and from Bangladesh from Monday following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as prime minister.
Railway officials said that train services will not resume until safe passage through the border is ensured.
This decision comes after weeks of disruption to Maitree Express, Bandhan Express and Mitali Express services. Since July 21, these trains had been experiencing cancellation of services.
The Ministry of External Affairs of India issued an advisory on Sunday, urging the Indian citizens to avoid traveling to Bangladesh until further notice.
Meanwhile, around 300 cargo trucks bound for India have been stranded on the Benapole border.
According to sources, many Indian nationals are feeling unsafe to return to their country due to the current political situation in Bangladesh.The Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) has shut the Petrapole border, halting both commercial and passenger transport.
The suspension of rail and air services, along with the closure of Petrapole border, has bad affected trade and travel of people. Cross-border trade and also travel of people are facing serious setback.
Meanwhile, both the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) hav beefed up security on borders to prevent illegal crossing.
The security measures were strengthened when many Awami League men reportedly tried to leave the country after the fall of Awami League government.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday and fled the country.
On the other hand, Shillong, in light of the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, the BSF Meghalaya Frontier, which oversees a 444 km stretch of the international border with Bangladesh, has geared up security measures to ensure effective border domination and management.
Extensive operations are underway along the entire border to prevent illegal entry and smuggling activities.
The IG BSF Meghalaya Harbax Singh Dhillon stated that troops and field commanders were fully aware and vigilant about ongoing developments. The situation across the international border is being closely monitored to address any unforeseen circumstances. Senior officers and commandants have been deployed at the border and instructed to remain in mission mode.
All land customs stations and integrated check posts on the International Border of Meghalaya are on high alert and civilian movement has been restricted along the Indo-Bangladesh border.
The Meghalaya state government has also imposed a night curfew along the entire International border of Meghalaya. The civil administration and local police in collaboration with the BSF have enhanced vigilance and instructed villagers to remain extra alert.
