According to officials, the Bangladeshi government has not yet authorized the reopening of two important border haats in Meghalaya: Kalaichar in South West Garo Hills and Balat in East Khasi Hills. Among the first four haats created in 2012 to formalize informal, small-scale trade between border villages, these are situated along the zero line of the India-Bangladesh boundary. Since an interim administration was established in Bangladesh ten months ago, they have been shuttered.
A senior official from Meghalaya’s Industries department stated that “the border haats remained closed for the past 10 months since an interim government was installed in Bangladesh,” adding that Dhaka has not replied to repeated correspondence from Indian officials. Hundreds of vendors and locals who depend on these haats for necessities and revenue have been impacted by the extended shutdown. The exchange of fish, vegetables, and other perishables benefits local populations on both sides.
Every haat is subject to stringent regulations. Participants must be locals living within five kilometers, and each market day, they can exchange commodities worth up to $200 USD. Every week, about 500 individuals from both nations usually attend each haat event. Local businessmen are optimistic that diplomatic engagement would soon result in the restoration of the markets, but Meghalayan officials are still awaiting a response. Until then, the region’s cross-border contacts and economic activity are on pause.