Clashes taking place between Border Guard Bangladesh and Border Security Force

Tension along India-Bangladesh border from Assam to West Bengal

Dhaka (Bangladesh) – Bangladesh appears angered by the actions being taken by the Border Security Force (BSF) to prevent infiltration.

Since 9 May, eight incidents of clashes have reportedly occurred between the BSF and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). Bangladeshi citizens have allegedly played a provocative role in these incidents. Since 9 May, incidents involving firing or violence related to preventing infiltration have been occurring almost daily. Such a situation is being witnessed along the border stretching from Assam to Bengal. Against this backdrop, Bangladesh’s border security force has launched a campaign to counsel people living in border areas.

1. The BGB has claimed that on 16 May, its patrol team and local villagers foiled an attempt by the BSF to push 750 Indian citizens into Bangladeshi territory at Bijoynagar (Brahmanbaria). Thereafter, the BGB claimed that firing took place in the Sonarhat border area on 18 May.

2. The BGB levelled several allegations against the BSF, accusing it of violating ‘Zero Point’ rules. Tensions between the two sides escalated once again at the Zero Point in Karimganj on 25 May. In the ongoing clashes, Bangladeshi villagers reportedly move forward aggressively and act as a “shield” for the BGB.

3. In view of the tension along the border, the BGB has started an awareness campaign using megaphones in the Brahmanbaria border region. Through this campaign, local residents are being warned about infiltration and crossing the border without permission. BGB Lieutenant Colonel Shariful Islam said that the campaign urges local people to remain vigilant and cooperate in maintaining border security.