The Understanding of India-Bangladesh Border Haats and its Benefits

Abstract

Bangladesh is neighbouring country of India. Both countries are sharing about 4096 kilometer long international border. Cross border trade and haat trade is a centuries old practice in India. Those who live close to the borders of India and Bangladesh have historically exchanged products and services in a customary manner. In 1972, India and Bangladesh signed an agreement to formalize these cross-border trade. But it was not implemented because of some concern of Bangladeshi side. In 2010, both counties signed a memorandum of understanding to establish border haats on zero line of international border. Border haats plays significant roles in remote border areas. It is not just a market place where people are selling and buying local produced and essential commodities but also it is a place for socializing, meeting distant friends and relatives. This article tries to explore basic understanding of border haats and its histoy of origin. It also tries to explain that how it is benefiting and transforming the lives of the people of remote border areas. This article also explains the impact of border haats on local communities as well as on relations of both countries.