During the journey, the “Maitri Cycle Rally” was welcomed by the BGB Officials at many places all along the International Boundary and were given warm applause
Bikram Sarkar
India and Bangladesh share vast borders and the Border Guarding Forces of both countries are maintaining cordial relations and supplementing each other’s efforts for effective border management. As Bangladesh is celebrating the Birth Centenary of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in the same way, the Border Security Force also organized the “Maitri Cycle Rally” which was flagged off on 10th January 2021 from Border Out Post Panitar of South Bengal Frontier, BSF to commemorate the Birth Centenary of Bangabandhu, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The 13 Cyclists from the BSF, who are part of the “Maitri Cycle Rally”. started their journey from Border Out Post Panitar and have travelled along the International Boundary covering the area through West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and the Mizoram States and finally the “Maitri Cycle Rally” culminated at Border Out Post Silkore, Mizoram under Mizoram & Cachar Frontier on its 66th day ie on 17th March 2021 after travelling more than 4,000 Kms.
The purpose and objective of this “Maitri Cycle Rally” organized by the BSF are to commemorate the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, “Bangabandhu, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman” and to promote and strengthen the bonds of friendship and to enhance the mutual cooperation and trust between the BSF and the BGB. This will also create a sense of security and confidence among the Border population and imparting a message about the ill effects of drug abuse among them.
During the journey, the “Maitri Cycle Rally” was welcomed by the BGB Officials at many places all along the International Boundary and were given warm applause. The border population including school children came forward and extended a warm welcome and organized cultural programs in honour of the BSF “Maitri Cycle Rally”.
This Wednesday, on the occasion of the culmination of the “Maitri Cycle Rally” at Border Out Post Silkore, which coincides with the Birth Centenary of Bangabandhu, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the grand closing ceremony was graced by Rakesh Asthana, Director General, Border Security Force, along with Shashi Bhushan Kumar Singh, Director General of Police, Mizoram Pankaj Kumar Singh Additional Director General, HQ BSF Eastern Command, Kolkata, DK Boora, Inspector General, HQ Mizoram & Cachar Frontier, BSF including the local District Administration Officials and Senior Officials of the Border Guard Bangladesh to felicitate the participants of this “Maitri Cycle Rally” who made it a grand success after covering through difficult hilly terrain and inclement climatic conditions. During this closing ceremony, cultural programs such as the Mizo bamboo dance, Chakma and other local Mizo dances were performed and displayed Para Motor Show duly adhering to the Covid – 19 protocols.
The Chief Guest, Rakesh Asthana, DG, BSF presented mementoes to all the participants of this “Maitri Cycle Rally” and also to the BGB Officials. The Brig. General Md. Zakir Hossain, Region Commander, BGB conveyed his gratitude for such a great gesture by the BSF at the Centenary Birth occasion of the Bangabandhu, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
