BNP’s three major affiliated bodies ended their long march to Akhaura land port on Wednesday afternoon with a vow to defy Indian conspiracies and aggression against Bangladesh.

Leaders of the demonstration called on Indian authorities to shun their previous status as overlords of Bangladesh, and take up the role of a friend.

The long march from Dhaka’s Naya Paltan reached Akhaura in Brahmanbaria at 4pm to protest against a Hindu nationalist attack on the Bangladeshi mission in Tripura, burning of Bangladeshi national flag in police presence, and a persistent disinformation campaign being waged against Bangladesh since 5 August.

BNP’s regional leaders had reached the spot in the morning to welcome the huge convoy from Dhaka.

In anticipation of trouble, law enforcers set up a three-tier posture in front of the Akhaura land port. BNP’s convoy and all other vehicles were prevented from moving ahead about half-a-kilometre away from the immigration check post.

Both Bangladesh and Indian immigrants had to walk the rest of the way to reach the check post and cross border.

Failing to move forward, leaders of Chhatra Dal, Juba Dal and Swechhasebak Dal staged a rally near the land port.

In the rally, Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam asserted that the people of Bangladesh are united against Indian aggression, warning any future attempts to dishonour the national flag will be met with a “strong response.”

Jubo Dal President Monayem Munna claimed the people of Bangladesh are freedom-living and are willing to take all risks to defend the country’s sovereignty.

Jubo Dal General Secretary Nurul Islam Noyon said Indian police were present when Bangladeshi flag was burnt by Hindu nationalists, but stayed silent. The act was a show of disrespect for Bangladesh by Indian authorities, he alleged claiming India is a neighbour of Bangladesh but has failed to become a friend.

He also raised more allegations against India: India does not give water from the trans-boundary Teesta river when needed, but takes away water from Feni river, located in Bangladesh, through controversial agreements.

In exchange for Jamdani garment and Hilsha fish, the Indians give the corpse of Felani, after killing her along the border, and phensedyl narcotics through unchecked drug peddlers, he further alleged.

On Wednesday noon, before the long march reached Akhaura, its leaders staged a rally in Bhairab, Kishoreganj. There leaders vowed BNP would stand united and uncompromising to protect the country's sovereignty.