Bullet tankers from Bangladesh faced protests at Bodhjungnagar as locals blocked vehicles citing minority atrocities. Security forces intervened, tankers reached IOCL plant, and officials assured talks amid strained India–Bangladesh relations.
Bullet tankers originating from Bangladesh triggered a tense situation at Bodhjungnagar on Saturday after local residents staged protests against alleged atrocities on minorities in the neighboring country. The protest unfolded amid already strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh, adding a layer of political sensitivity to the incident.
According to eyewitnesses, a group of local villagers assembled near the Bhagaban Chowdhury Ganglong area under the jurisdiction of the Bodhjungnagar police station. Carrying Indian national flags, the protesters blocked the movement of several bullet tankers and raised strong slogans demanding that vehicles from Bangladesh not be allowed to pass through the region.
Security personnel deployed at the spot confirmed that the tankers were transporting gas consignments originating from Russia, routed through Bangladesh, and were en route to the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) bottling plant at Bodhjungnagar. The tankers reportedly carried Bangladesh registration numbers, and all drivers were nationals of the neighboring country.
As news of the tanker movement spread, the crowd at the site grew, leading to a tense atmosphere. Protesters questioned the legitimacy and timing of allowing cross-border commercial transit, particularly in light of reports of minority rights violations in Bangladesh. The demonstrators voiced their anger through repeated slogans, reflecting broader public sentiment over regional developments.
Police and other security forces rushed to the scene to prevent any escalation and to ensure law and order. Authorities cordoned off the area and engaged with the protesters to defuse the situation peacefully. No incidents of violence or damage to property were reported during the agitation.
One of the tanker drivers confirmed to officials that the convoy had entered India legally and was operating under existing transit arrangements. He stated that the vehicles had followed approved routes and documentation protocols while traveling toward the IOCL facility.
The Officer-in-Charge of Bodhjungnagar police station said that the Deputy Collector and Magistrate (DCM) personally arrived at the spot and held discussions with the agitators. The administration assured the protesters that their concerns would be formally addressed. A meeting has been scheduled at the chamber of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) on Monday to deliberate on the issue in detail.
| Also Read: Rotary Club Agartala Organizes Successful Blood Donation Camp |
Despite the protests, the tankers eventually entered the IOCL bottling plant and proceeded with the unloading process under tight security supervision. Officials later confirmed that the situation had returned to normal and that no further disruptions were reported.
The incident highlights the growing intersection of local sentiment, international relations, and cross-border trade logistics. Authorities remain on alert to prevent similar incidents in the future while maintaining essential supply chains and public order.
