Hamid, Hasina hail new citizens

President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have congratulated the people of the enclaves on becoming citizens after land transfer. As many as 111 Chhit Mahals (enclaves) became part of Bangladesh and 51 went to India at Friday midnight. In a message, President Abdul Hamid termed the enclave exchange after 68 years of land boundary complications ‘historic for the both countries’. It will have a positive impact on the citizenship and identity of the enclave dwellers as well as their social and economic growth. President’s Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin said Hamid also greeted Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion. He thanked all those involved with the process to exchange the enclaves. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Deputy Press Secretary Ashraful Alam, quoted the PM as saying that the people have got new identity, the opportunity to live in a specific territory, and the flag and map of their motherland after 68 years. Hasina said her government saw no difference between these people and other citizens of Bangladesh. Hasina said the government would provide the former enclave dwellers with all sorts of facilities other citizens get, according to a news agency.

- mbz