BGB tightens security along Jashore, Rajshahi borders amid India-Pakistan tensions
"Security measures have been reinforced to prevent any illegal entry from India through the border," said Lt Colonel Saifullah Siddiqui, commanding officer of BGB-49 Battalion
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified security measures along a 70-kilometre stretch of the Jashore border and another 76-kilometre stretch of the Rajshahi border amid the growing tensions between India and Pakistan.
Members of BGB's Jashore-70 Battalion have ramped up patrols in the area, said Lt Colonel Saifullah Siddiqui, commanding officer of BGB-49 Battalion, adding that the force has been placed on high alert along the border, reports UNB.
"Security measures have been reinforced to prevent any illegal entry from India through the border," he said.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Al Mamun, a resident of Jashore's Sharsha, said the situation along the border remains calm. "If there is any attempt at infiltration or smuggling due to provocation by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF), we, the locals, are ready to stand beside the BGB to resist it," he said.
Alamgir Hossain, a public representative from the border area, said, "Although tensions between India and Pakistan continue, the situation here is stable for now. Previously, BSF personnel were seen every 500 yards, but now they appear every 300 yards, which is somewhat concerning."
Meanwhile, in Rajshahi, four people who illegally entered Bangladesh last night (7 May) have been detained and handed over to the police. Announcements have also been made along the border areas to alert the residents.
Locals said BGB, in the announcement, told locals to work on agricultural fields from 8am-5pm. It also asked that farmers refrain from gathering in groups along the border areas.
শeanwhile, India's Border Security Force (BSF) reportedly pushed 80 Indian nationals into Bangladesh through Khagrachharion yesterday, claiming they were Bangladeshis.
According to BGB sources, 27 people were pushed in through the Shantipur border, 23 through Achalong Para of Taindong Union, and 30 more via the Ruposhi Para border in Panchhari upazila.
Khagrachhari's Acting Deputy Commissioner Nazmun Ara Sultana said a total of 80 Indian nationals, including women and children, crossed into Bangladesh through the Matiranga and Panchhari upazilas.
