Tensions erupt at Shibganj border as BSF, Indian nationals enter Bangladesh territory

Tensions have flared once again at the Chouka border in Shibganj Upazila, Chapainawabganj. The unrest began on Saturday afternoon in the area between the Binnodpur Union’s Chouka region and the Kiran Ganj Border Outpost.

Citizens from both Bangladesh and India gathered in protest near the border, leading to confrontations.

At least two Bangladeshi citizens were injured in attacks by Indian nationals during the incident.

On Saturday, during the afternoon, Indian citizens entered inside Bangladesh to cut grass on their land, local residents said.

At that time, they cut down several mango trees inside Bangladesh, leading to altercations between Indian and Bangladeshi citizens.

Several Bangladeshis were injured in the stone pelting by Indian citizens.

The locals alleged that Indian people entered the Bangladeshi territory near the zero line and cut down around 30 mango trees and hundreds of jujube trees.

Rabbu, a resident of Kaliganj Ghumtola village, reported that Faruk sustained a head injury from a stone while riding a motorcycle to observe the situation.

Moreover, local Mithun said that while standing with bamboo in the border area, several Indian citizens entered and attacked on another Bangladeshi named Roni.

During the tension, Lieutenant Imrul Kayes, Deputy Commander of the 59th battalion of BGB present at the scene, said that BGB is trying to control the situation. “Additional forces have been deployed.”

In the evening briefing, Lieutenant Colonel Golam Kibria, commander of the 59th battalion of BGB, said that near border pillar 177 between Chouka and Kiran Ganj camps, there were some mango trees inside Bangladesh.

“Cutting those trees led to a tense situation between Indian and Bangladeshi citizens. When citizens from both countries gathered near the zero line, BGB personnel immediately rushed to the scene,” he said.

Later in the afternoon, a 10-minute flag meeting was held between BGB and BSF commanders.

Regarding this incident, BSF expressed regret and assured measures regarding the cutting of trees from their side, Golam Kibria added.

He further said that until a complete investigation of the incident is conducted, they are present in the field.

They are prepared to prevent any crossing of the zero line and calm down tensions. Patriotic people are also present alongside BGB.

Regarding information about the injured, Lieutenant Colonel Golam Kibria said that there is no significant statistical mention of their injuries.

“No information has been provided from the BSF side regarding casualties. They (BSF) have violated international law by deploying tear gas shells to control the turbulent mob,” he said.

“We have provided detailed descriptions to the BGB headquarters about this matter. We hope that a high-level discussion will take place at the BGB and BSF headquarters regarding this matter,” Golam added.

Previously, tension had escalated for several days over the construction of barbed wire fencing by the Border Security Force (BSF) of India on the border with Sukhdevpur in India.

At that time, there was a flag meeting between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and BSF battalion commanders on the border, deescalating the situation.