Local people in Moulvibazar are still waiting for the opening of border markets, locally known as haats, in Kurma and Botuli.
Work on setting up of five new border haats along the Sylhet's border with the Indian states of Meghalaya and Tripura was going on in full swing since 2019 as these would help increase the trade in the region.
One of the border haats was set to be opened at Kurma in Komolganj Upazila and another in Botuli area of Juri Upazila.
The decision to set up six border haats was taken during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s India visit in 2017. The two sides signed an MoU in this regard as well.
The procedure was followed up through a joint meeting in 2021. The foundation stone for the haat in Botuli was laid by Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi and the then Chief Minister of Tripura Biplab Kumar Deb on February 3 of 2022. But it is yet to be inaugurated, much to the disappointment of the local people. Officials said that the entire process has been delayed due to the resignation of the chief minister of Tripura Biplob Kumar Deb the same year.
Once opened, traders from each side will be able to set up stalls in the haats. They will be able to buy and sell spices, clothes, vegetables, jewelry and various other items. The traders, in this case, must reside within a 5-kilometre radius within the border.
Fultola Union Parishad Chairman Abdul Alim Selu told Dhaka Tribune that he had called on the authorities to take measures in opening the haats as soon as possible as they will bolster local trade and economic activities.
Moulvibazar Deputy Commissioner Dr Urmi Binte Salam said that she had inspected the locations of the two haats and the higher authorities have been requested to open the haats as soon as possible.
