The unrest in Bangladesh has left several hundred in Bongaon, a small town in North 24-Parganas, more than 100km north of Calcutta, wondering about their survival. On Saturday, a few who had been waiting at the border since Thursday rolled on to enter Benapole with their consignments. Fewer visitors reaching India from Benapole means less business for car rental agencies in Bongaon, who thrive on ferrying visitors from the border town to Calcutta and its neighbouring areas every day. “Some visitors would rent a car from Bongaon to reach either the airport or Howrah station for their onward journeys to Chennai and Vellore. “There are some 60 such godowns in Bongaon where transporters, drivers, and labourers remain busy in cargo handling through the Petrapole border.

Source: The Telegraph December 23, 2025 02:29 UTC