BGB thwarts reported BSF bid to install fence along Joypurhat border

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has thwarted yet another attempt allegedly by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) to install a barbed-wire fence along the border in Uchna, Panchbibi upazila, Joypurhat.

Lieutenant Colonel Nahid Newaz, commander of the Joypurhat 20 BGB battalion, said that when BSF troops attempted to build a barbed wire fence on Tuesday morning, BGB members intervened, forcing them to abandon the fence construction and leave.

“The situation there is now quiet, calm and normal,” he said.

Locals said BSF members from the Indian Chakgopal camp tried to construct a fence within 30 yards of the zero point, violating international law, around 8am.

At one point, BGB personnel from the Hatkhola border post under Joypurhat 20 BGB intervened, forcing the BSF to retreat with their materials and stop the construction, the BGB commander said.

A letter was sent to the BSF for holding a company commander-level flag meeting between the two sides, said the BGB official.

Previously, on January 7, the BSF unlawfully began constructing a barbed-wire fence along the zero line, prompting the BGB to intervene, heightening tensions along the border.

Besides, tensions flared up along the Kaliganj border in Shibganj upazila, Chapainawabganj, as Indian nationals allegedly hurled crude bombs at Bangladeshis in the presence of BSF personnel on January 18.

Amid the escalating tensions, a flag meeting at the battalion commander level between the BGB and BSF was held over the incident.

The BGB lodged a protest with the BSF, and the matter was reported to the higher authorities of the BGB.

Source: UNB