Cheers!

Bogra Sangbad Desk : Ratan Miah and his neighbours in Banshkata had good reasons to be happy yesterday. They not only became citizens of Bangladesh, after the enclave exchange, but Ratan also got to marry the girl of his dreams.

Ratan's bride Nurfa Begum, 19, had turned down the marriage proposal because Ratan, 26, was a citizen of an Indian enclave. She did not want an Indian husband.

But, all that changed yesterday and wedding was held.

Banshkata is one of the 111 enclaves India exchanged with Bangladesh in the four northern districts yesterday.  

“I had refused the proposal as I did not see the point of getting married to an Indian enclave resident,” said newlywed bride Nurfa, a resident of Shahebdanga in Patgram of Lalmonirhat.

Nurfa's father Nur Alam said his daughter changed her mind right after the clock struck 12:00am yesterday. Six months ago, Nur could not even argue with Nurfa when she refused Ratan citing his Indian citizenship.

“It was as if our lives hung in the balance,” said Nur Alam.

Following a bridal shower held in the morning, the marriage ceremony was held at the house of the groom in the afternoon.  

The former Indian enclave was visited throughout the day by Nurfa's relatives and neighbours, who prayed for the happy nuptial life of the couple.

Ratan and his father Mansar Ali were ecstatic.

“Now we are Bangladesh citizens and my son is marrying Nurfa,” said elated Mansar. “They are going to make a happy Bangladeshi couple.”

Ratan shared his personal feelings about the whole affair with journalists.

“You cannot imagine the pain I endured during the last six months after being rejected.”

“I will never forget the pain of being an enclave resident,” he said, holding Nurfa's hand on the wedding stage.

Source : The Daily Star