UNIPA News (Kolkata)21 February 2026-With Tareque Rahman assuming office as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, cross-border connectivity is showing signs of improvement, as the Agartala–Dhaka–Kolkata international bus service is set to resume soon. A trial run of the route began on Saturday, signaling renewed cooperation and easing regional transport ties.
The international passenger bus service had remained suspended for over a year amid political instability in Bangladesh. The disruption followed the fall of the government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her party, the Awami League, in August 2024. During the subsequent interim administration led by advisers under economist Muhammad Yunus, tensions rose due to several India-related controversies and political unrest.
In November 2024, services were further affected after an attack in Brahmanbaria on a Maitree bus operated by Shyamoli Paribahan traveling from Tripura toward Kolkata. Following that incident, the cross-border passenger bus operations were halted.
After the recent national election, a new government was formed under the leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, founded by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Since taking office, Prime Minister Tareque Rahman has expressed interest in rebuilding constructive relations with India. Indian authorities have also indicated plans to restart visa services for Bangladeshi nationals.
Against this backdrop, steps have been taken to restart the Agartala–Dhaka–Kolkata bus link via Bangladeshi territory. A trial journey began Saturday from the Krishnanagar depot in Agartala toward Dhaka. Trial operations are expected to continue for several days. If conditions remain stable, regular service is planned to operate three days a week between Agartala and Kolkata.
Officials say the route was previously popular among passengers but was temporarily closed due to prolonged unrest. With the political situation stabilizing after the formation of the new government, transport authorities are now moving to restore the vital regional bus corridor.
