A Correspondent
DHUBRI: A bicycle rally covering a stretch of over 4,097 km along the Indo-Bangla border to cement the friendship between the two countries was given a warm reception here at the Dharmasala border of Dhubri district recently.
The bicycle rally was organized to celebrate the centenary birth anniversary of the Father of Bangladesh, Mujibur Rahman. In view of the cordial relations prevailing between India and Bangladesh, Border Security Force guarding Indo-Bangladesh borders organized the Maitri Cycle Rally in the honour of Banga Bandhu Mujibur Rahman to show solidarity with the people of Bangladesh.
The rally started on January 10 from Border outpost Silkor, 60 Bn BSF in Mizoram. Thirteen riders are participating in this rally and they will cover the journey of 4,097 km in 67 days. The rally will pass through six States - West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram.
On January 10, the Maitri Rally was flagged off by former Indian Army Chief Shankar Roy Choudhary to build a strong bond of friendship between BSF and BGB. The Maitri Cycle Rally entered Assam from Cooch Behar sector to the area of BSF Dhubri Sector at Border Outpost Ram Rai Kuti, Ex-110 Bn BSF on January 30.
A warm welcome was given to the riders by J C Nayak, Deputy Inspector General, Sector HQs BSF Dhubri along with other officers and men at LCS Sonahat in which officials of various agencies like Export Association, LCS participated enthusiastically.
The rally moved through AOR of 110 Bn BSF and thereafter was given rousing welcome by Commandant 67 Bn BSF. Then the rally reached BSF Water Wing, Dhubri Complex where DIG BSF, DC Dhubri, Commandant 41 Bn BSF, SP Dhubri, OC Water Wing BSF and other officials gave a grand reception to the cyclists.
The villagers all along the border cheered the party. The cyclists then marched towards South Salamara district covering Brahmaputra River bed where they were received by Inspector General, BSF, Guwahati. The BGB officials also cheered the party by joining with BSF troops at various places. The bicycle rally will further cement the cordial relations between two border guarding forces of both the nations, BSF officials opined.