India Halts Air, Train Services with Bangladesh

DHAKA – India braces for the worst possible impact of political crisis in Bangladesh . Massive student protests over discriminatory job quotas have forced the prime minister Bangladesh resign and leave the country.

Indian Railways announced on Monday (5/8/2024) that it is suspending cross-border travel with its eastern neighbor.

The decision affects Maitree Express and Bandhan Express, two major services connecting the two countries.

Indian airlines, including national carrier Air India and low-cost carrier IndiGo, have cancelled flights to and from Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka.

The Border Security Force has increased its presence on the Indian side of the 4,000 km long line that separates the two countries.

Acting Director General Daljit Singh Chaudhary and his senior staff have left for Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal state, which spans more than half the length of the Bangladesh border.

“They will direct India’s response to the crisis from there,” the agency said.

Police in New Delhi have been on alert for possible incidents around the Bangladesh High Commission, the country’s embassy in India.

There are fears the building in the diplomatic district of Chanakyapuri could be targeted after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina travelled to India on Monday.

The Indian government has urged people to take the situation into account when making travel plans.