Beating Retreat ceremony at Indo-Bangladesh Border in Agartala attracts tourists

Border security forces of India and Bangladesh recently performed an impressive 'beating' retreat ceremony at Petrapole-Benapole border near Agartala.

The lowering of flags ceremony every evening attracts many tourists.

"The situation between both the countries is improving day by day. Lots of tourists are also visiting this retreat ceremony at Agartala check post every day," said B.S. Tolia, DIG, BSF.

Similar to arrangements at Wagah on India-Pakistan border, efforts are on to develop the infrastructure at Petrapole-Benapole border check post. It includes galleries for tourists to watch the ceremony.

The BSF recently inaugurated a cafeteria for visitors.

It is believed the ceremony will help people from both countries come closer.

"We definitely need peace and we would like to see more people commuting from one state to another or one country to another and develop more cordial relations rather than people getting scared of coming here," said a visitor, Laxmi Karnike.

India shares a 4,096 km long border with Bangladesh, the longest boundary it has with any of its neighbours.

Officials of both countries have been interacting regularly, and joint efforts are being made to improve infrastructure along the border to curb cross border crimes and promote trade and people-to-people contact.