Exclave residents, who have lived in a grey zone of citizenship for 68 years, will observe their independence today.
A series of programmes have been planned to observe the victory of reclaiming Bangladeshi land by local people who wish to hold Bangladeshi nationality.
The programmes include a flag rally, torch lighting ceremony, candle lighting ceremony and cultural events. There is a festive atmosphere in all of the exclaves with residents evidently enjoying the gaiety of the occasion.
“We will observe our land victory through various formalities,” Altab Hossen, a resident of Dasiar Chhara exclave in Kurigram district, said.
Hossen, also the president of the local coordination committee to the Joint Survey Committee, said: “We were deprived of basic amenities for 68 years and now we are going to become Bangladeshis. It is our great victory and we hope that the Bangladesh government will provide every facility and service as soon as possible.”
He said: “We will cut a cake tomorrow and hold a meeting attended by our local member of parliament.”
Moniruddin, 50, a resident of the exclave, said: “It has been our dream to become Bangladeshi nationals for 68 years. The dream is now coming true.”
Young people were seen busily decorating the area and preparing to hold traditional games such boat racing and stick playing.
Children appeared to be delighted because they now have the right to be admitted to school.
Those leaving for India seemed sad on the eve of their departure. They were busy making final preparations to leave the country, including selling their property and completing departure formalities.
The Bangladesh-India Chhitmahal Exchange Coordination Committee has chalked out an extensive plan to celebrate the historic day.
As the clock strikes midnight, the national flag of Bangladesh will be hoisted after taking down India’s flag permanently.
Sixty-eight candles, signifying the 68 years of exclave life, will be lit to wither away the darkness of the past and usher in a new beginning.
Fireworks and sky lanterns will also light up the night sky, adding to the festivities.
The formal programme of the committee will begin with special prayers at religious establishments at noon. This will be followed by a boat race, horse racing, lathi khela (stick play) and cultural events.
A number of local and foreign media representatives, international organisations, political figures and various social workers have already gathered in the enclaves to witness what has been described as “history in the making.”
“There is no special programme from the administration for today,” said Samsul Azam, assistant deputy commissioner of Panchagarh district.
“The Bangladeshi flag will be flown tomorrow in all the exclaves to announce that it is now Bangladesh territory,” he said.
Travel passes for those leaving for India are not complete yet but would be provided soon, he said.
Those opting for Indian nationality will have from August 1 to November 30 to sell their property and leave Bangladesh.
Maj Gen Aziz Ahmed, director general of Border Guard Bangladesh, told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday that during the census, 15 platoons were present to ensure security.
“After the handover at midnight tonight, we will do everything possible to assist the civil authorities as required,” he said.
Asked about undecided land, Maj Gen Aziz said: “As far as I know, there is only one piece of land about which a decision has not been taken yet.”
“It will be decided later and we are hopeful that the decision will be in our favour,” he added.
About the hand over process, the Home Ministry said the Land Ministry would issue a gazette notification about the new territory, a Home Ministry press release said.
