NEW DELHI, Feb 5: The Border Security Force (BSF) has instructed its field commanders stationed along the 4,096 km India-Bangladesh International Border to take “strong action” against any illegal construction activities carried out by nationals or border forces of the neighboring country, according to official sources on Wednesday.
Approximately 80 incidents related to this issue were reported across the border in 2024, as informed by sources within the border management establishment to PTI.
The North Bengal frontier, which oversees around 932 km of this border from its headquarters in Siliguri, West Bengal, noted in a statement on January 31 that such incidents have been “increasing” within its jurisdiction recently.
In a new statement released on Wednesday, the frontier reported that a group of “heavily armed” Bangladeshi miscreants “illegally” infiltrated the border village of Malikpur in Dakshin Dinajpur district during the night of February 4-5, subsequently “attacking” a BSF patrol, resulting in injuries to a jawan and a Bangladeshi national, who was subsequently hospitalized.
“The miscreants trespassed into India for purposes of smuggling and dacoity. They were heavily equipped with Dahs, sticks, and a wire cutter. When challenged by the BSF patrol, instead of withdrawing, the miscreants launched an aggressive attack on the troops,” the statement revealed.
A spokesperson for the BSF North Bengal Frontier indicated that the patrol unit resorted to firing “non-lethal” ammunition to deter the Bangladeshis, but the miscreants persisted in their “aggression and encircled the BSF team.”
The assailants attempted to “snatch” a weapon from a BSF jawan, which prompted him to fire in self-defense, causing the attackers to retreat back across the border, as stated by the spokesperson.
Officials emphasized that all BSF commanders in the border units have been instructed to maintain a “strict vigil” and take “strong action” to halt any illegal construction activities within 150 yards of the International Border.
The force has also directed its senior officers stationed in the rear of the border battalions to frequently visit forward areas and set up camp wherever necessary, according to officials.
Previously, the North Bengal Frontier stated that while Bangladeshi nationals and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were “constantly attempting” to conduct construction work in the border region unlawfully, the vigilant BSF was always monitoring these illegal activities and taking stringent action.
“Recently, there has been a rise in illegal construction activities by Bangladeshi citizens along the International Border adjacent to Mekhliganj in Coochbehar, within 150 yards of the IB in Bangladeshi territories,” it mentioned, indicating that such work was only halted due to “strong objections and opposition” from BSF troops.
The force has maintained an “alert” status along this border since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024. However, senior officers stress that their relations with the BGB on the ground remain good, despite these occurrences being “propped up” this time.
The India-Bangladesh boundary spans five states: West Bengal (2,217 km), Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Assam (262 km), and Mizoram (318 km), with the BSF designated as the primary security and intelligence-gathering agency for this front.
Tensions between the two nations have increased after reciprocal summoning of each other’s High Commissioners by their capitals last month.
During a meeting between the Indian High Commissioner and Bangladeshi officials, Bangladesh voiced concerns over the “activities” of the BSF regarding fence construction and border-related fatalities, while India clarified to the acting Bangladeshi High Commissioner in Delhi that all established protocols were adhered to during fence construction.
On Tuesday, the government informed Parliament that India expects a cooperative approach from Bangladesh in addressing cross-border crimes, including border fencing efforts.
Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai stated in a written response that 864.482 km of the border remains unfenced, incorporating 174.51 km categorized as “non-feasible” gaps.
“Constructing the fence is a crucial security measure for safeguarding the border. Fencing aids in establishing a crime-free border by effectively mitigating challenges associated with cross-border criminal activities, smuggling, and trafficking of criminals,” Rai explained.
He further noted that the obstacles encountered in completing the “feasible” sections of the fencing project include land acquisition issues, BGB objections, limited working seasons, and difficult terrains, such as landslide-prone or marshy areas.
Earlier this week, Bangladesh’s interim government declared in Dhaka its intention to request the annulment of certain “uneven agreements” regarding borders with India during the upcoming meeting between the directors general of the border guards (BSF and BGB), scheduled between February 17 and 20. (PTI)
