In 1951, two rivers – the Teesta and Ganga – were discussed between India and East Pakistan (which became Bangladesh in 1971).
In 1952, the Brahmaputra was also brought into the discussion. A year after the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan in 1971, India and Bangladesh set up the Joint Rivers Commission to exchange information on the river basins and cooperate over their management.
Until the 1980s only three rivers were recognised as “common” rivers. In 1982 Bangladesh proposed six other rivers – the Sangu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gomti, Dharla and Dudhkumar to be formally recognised as transboundary rivers. Slowly this number has been expanded to the current officially recognised 54 rivers.
Border Haats
Currently, four border haats are operational, along the India-Bangladesh border. Two border haats are located in Meghalaya at Kalaichar and Balat and two are located in Tripura at Srinagar and Kamalasagar.
The trade at border haats is permitted to be carried out in Indian Rupees/Bangladesh Taka and on barter basis, and data of such trade is maintained by the Haat Management Committee of the respective border haat.
In addition to the four functional border haats, Government of India and Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh have approved six more border haats-two in Tripura at Palbasti and Kamalpur and four in Meghalaya at Bholaganj, Nalikata, Shibbari and Ryngku.
