Mismanagement on Indian side of ICP at Akhaura, callous clerks and officials make life hell for incoming and outbound passengers between India and Banglades

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, April 2, 2024

Gross mismanagement and lack of essential amenities in the Indian immigration centre in International Check Post (ICP) in Akhaura have been making life hell for the incoming passengers to India and outbound passengers to Bangladesh. A passenger heading for Bangladesh by passport in the Indian immigration centre today spoke over phone to this portal to assert that people from both sides of the border were greatly suffering while having their papers like passports and visas checked in the Indian immigration centre.

“Just at the entry point the BSF jawans posted in front of the Centre create lot of hassles by asking unreasonable questions which are quite unnecessary as those who go through the immigration centre invariably go by valid passports and visas; then comes mistreatment of the callous clerks and officials in the immigration centre as they pretend as if they are doing a great favour by perusing papers and keep people waiting without rhyme or reason ; there is no air-conditioning in the centre and people have to sweat in the torrid heat ; there is no facility for bathroom or toilet and when people go out for responding to nature’s call the BSF jawans subject them to fresh round of harassment and stupid questioning; the number of counters in the immigration centre is also very few compared with need” said the caller.

He also pointed out that people have to bear this quietly as the clerks , officials and BSF jawans may create fresh trouble. The caller also rued the fact that during the current ongoing month of ‘Ramadan’ many visitors from Bangladesh come daily for purchasing things and the more they come the higher is the earning of dollar for India but the staff in the ICP do not seem to care for even national interest . He also rued that the matter had been officially pointed out to concerned higher officials and published in media but no remedial action has been taken . Speaking on condition of anonymity the caller said that upon his return from Bangladesh he will address a letter to the DM (west) Vishal Kumar explaining everything and seeking his intervention to have the problems resolved.