India-Bangladesh Bus Service Restarts After 18 Months As BNP Comes To Power

The Maitree bus service, which connects Agartala, Dhaka, and Kolkata, has resumed operations after an 18-month hiatus, coinciding with the return of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to power. This service is crucial for enhancing cross-border travel and trade between India and Bangladesh, facilitating easier movement for both tourists and business travelers. The suspension of the service, attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent political developments in Bangladesh, had disrupted this important link. With the BNP's reinstatement, which promises to strengthen bilateral relations, the bus service's resumption is seen as a positive development for regional connectivity. Officials from both countries expressed optimism about the renewed service, emphasizing its role in fostering people-to-people ties and economic collaboration. The Maitree bus service is a vital aspect of the India-Bangladesh relationship, and its revival is expected to boost tourism and economic interaction in the region, benefiting both nations significantly in the post-pandemic era.