Sixty-one drivers who entered Bangladesh with trucks have been left stranded in the neighbouring country since April 4.

Their family members have approached Customs authorities and the Mekhliganj subdivision office in Cooch Behar district, demanding that steps be taken to bring them back home immediately. Any delay in their return would lead to indefinite protests, the families have threatened.

Sources said the 61 trucks had crossed the Bangladesh border through Changrabandha in Cooch Behar on April 4 and entered Burimari — a land port in Lalmonirhat district of the neighbouring country.

“They were carrying jute seeds and crossed the border during the lockdown with special permission from the central and the state governments. However, after the goods were unloaded, they are not being allowed to cross the border and return home by the Bangladesh and Indian authorities,” Uttam Sarkar, a clearing agent based in Changrabandha, said.

According to him, the drivers are staying at an enclosed space in Burimari and are not getting much assistance and relief from the authorities.

“Mohammad Farooque, a clearing agent in Bangladesh, has been helping them with food grains. There is complete uncertainty on their return,” said Sarkar.

The family members of the drivers have submitted a memorandum to the superintendent of Customs in Changrabandha.

“We want all the drivers to be brought back with the vehicles. They can be kept at a quarantine centre for 14 days and the vehicles can be sanitised. But it is disappointing that no initiative has been taken by the Customs or the Cooch Behar district administration to help them. If such a situation persists, we will be forced to launch indefinite protests,” said Saraswati Ghosh, a relative of one of the stranded drivers.

Senior officials of the district administration were tight-lipped.

“All we can say is that there is a restriction on movement of people across the international border. Unless the lockdown is withdrawn, there are little chances that they can be brought back. We would, however, see if appropriate arrangements can be made for them in Burimari,” said an official, buying anonymity.