21st 'enclave free day' celebrated
The 21st “Dahagram- Angorpota free day” was observed at the enclave in Patgram upazila yesterday.
The people of the enclave hoisted national flag, held cultural functions and sports competition to mark the day.
On this day in 1992, the inhabitants of the enclave freely moved to Bangladesh for one hour during daytime as the Indian iron gate at Tin Bigha corridor remained opened following a decision made by the governments of the two neighbouring countries.
Later, the Indian authorities kept the iron gate open for 12 hours from June in 1996. Finally the gate started to remain open round the clock from October last year.
At a discussion yesterday, Rezanur Rahman Reza, convener of 'enclave free day celebration committee', said “Our dreams came true on October 19 2011 as the Indian iron gate at Tin Bigha corridor continued to remain round the clock”.
“Now we can move freely to the mainland and enjoy health, electricity and other facilities”, he added. Reza also expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for taking steps to meet their longstanding demand.
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