3-day ban on Bangladeshis traveling to India

Bangladeshis have been banned from traveling to India on tourist visas for three days. The ban has been issued due to Lok Sabha elections in India's West Bengal. The ban came into effect on Friday (May 17) from 6:00pm onwards.

Quoting Indian Police Immigration, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Benapole Immigration Azharul Islam said, “From Friday (May 17) 6:00pm till the end of vote counting on Monday (May 20) only passengers with medical visa and Indian passport can travel to India. The ban will be lifted on May 21.”

A letter signed by the District Magistrate and the District Election Officer of the West Bengal government said that all international routes should be sealed for the smooth conduct of the elections. As a result, from the evening of May 17 until the counting of votes on May 20, all types of import and export activities would remain stopped, along with travel on tourist visas. Only medical visa would be allowed to go to India, said Benapole Port Director Rezaul Karim.

Meanwhile, patrolling of the border guard BSF has been intensified to stop infiltration. Additional BSF personnel have also been deployed. No one is allowed to go near the border at night.