The Petrapole-Benapole joint retreat ceremony was inaugurated on 6 November 2013 by the Indian Home Minister at Integrated Check Post (ICP) Petrapole-Benapole in the presence of the Home Minister of Bangladesh It is a daily military exercise, similar to the Wagah Border ceremony, and engages soldiers of Border Security Force (India) and the Border Guards Bangladesh.
The Petrapole-Benapole border ceremony takes place every Tuesday & Saturday evening from 16:30 to 17:00.hrs.This joint retreat ceremony of 30 minutes resulting in lowering of national flags of India and Bangladesh is jointly conducted by BSF (Border Security Force-India) and BGB (Border Guard- Bangladesh).On the 52nd Independence Day of BANGLADESH; a special Joint ceremony program has been held by both the countries. The "Wagah of the East" as it is known, the Petrapole-Benapole border ceremony starts off with opening of gates on India and Bangladesh side. After a quick friendly handshake between the BSF and BGB infantrymen, the soldiers march into the "no man's land" in their respective ceremonial dresses and battle dress uniform. Ceremonial theatrics by the BSF and BGB are at the heart of the ceremony and is attended by Military officials of both countries. The ceremonial parade ends before sunset and the flags of either countries are lowered. The gates on either side of the border are closed for the day. The ceremony is similar to the one at Wagah (along the India-Pakistan border), but it is a social and cultural event at the zero line after which the BSF and BGB lower their national flags in the evening. Considering the relations between India and Bangladesh, the atmosphere is cordial and warm.In 1971, the Indian Army brought Pakistani army to its knees and gave 75 million people of Bangladesh their independence.
The war, which continued for 13 days, ended with the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers — the largest surrender by an Army since World War-II. India won the war decisively — splitting Pakistan into two, with the creation of Bangladesh.
It however, came at a price for India — 3,900 Indian soldiers were also killed and nearly 10,000 others injured, with many left to suffer from life-long disabilities. Among the Indians fighting the war were five heroes whose unforgettable contribution led to the decisive win.
Petrapole is on the Indian side of the border with Bangladesh. The Bangladesh border point is called Benapole. Petrapole is situated 6 km from Bangaon in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Petrapole is the largest land custom point in India and Asia.