[🇧🇩-Land] Atrocities of BSF/How BGB responds

[Saif]

সীমান্তে ধাওয়া খেয়ে পালালো বিএসএফ (Bangladeshi villagers confronting BSF with sticks)

 

[Saif]

Impunity for border killings must end

Ensure justice for the murder of Felani, other Bangladeshis

www.thedailystar.net

Impunity for border killings must end
Ensure justice for the murder of Felani, other Bangladeshis

VISUAL: STAR

It is unacceptable that even after the passing of 14 years following the gruesome murder of Felani Khatun, justice still remains elusive. This simultaneously reflects Bangladesh authorities' lack of initiative in pursuing justice as well as the Indian authorities' refusal to ensure accountability, both of which have contributed to a culture of impunity enabling such border killings to persist.

On January 7, 2011, 15-year-old Felani was shot dead by a member of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) while attempting to cross the barbed-wire fence near Kurigram and West Bengal's Koch Bihar. As she climbed down a makeshift ladder, her dress became entangled in the fence. While stuck, she was spotted by BSF personnel, and constable Amiya Ghosh shot her. According to Kirity Roy, secretary of a West Bengal-based rights organisation, the BSF could have apprehended Felani without using lethal force and presented her in court for breaking the law. Instead, she was shot and left hanging on the fence for hours, bleeding to death. Even after shooting her, the BSF could have rescued her and provided medical attention, but they chose not to.

The death toll at the India-Bangladesh border starkly contrasts with the far fewer fatalities along the India-Pakistan border, despite the latter's hostile relationship. When a so-called "friendly" neighbour causes such loss of life, how can this relationship be viewed as genuine friendship?

Despite this inhumane act, a BSF court acquitted Amiya Ghosh of any wrongdoing, with a subsequent BSF court also upholding the verdict. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India, set to hear final arguments in this case on January 8, postponed the hearing for unspecified reasons. Will Felani's family ever get justice? After 14 years, Indian authorities seem to have little interest in this regard. This impunity—and the evident disregard for Bangladeshi lives—has allowed such killings to continue unabated. The most recent casualty is Zahur Ali who, earlier this week, was allegedly beaten to death by BSF members and Indian citizens along the border.

According to Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), 31 Bangladeshis were killed by BSF in 2023, 23 in 2022, and 18 in 2021. Thus, at least 522 deaths of Bangladeshis were recorded between 2009 and 2020. One cannot help but ask: why is the number of casualties so high despite India's repeated promises to reduce them to zero? How should Bangladesh respond to such killings and to India's claim of being a "close friend"? The death toll at the India-Bangladesh border starkly contrasts with the far fewer fatalities along the India-Pakistan border, despite the latter's hostile relationship. When a so-called "friendly" neighbour causes such loss of life, how can this relationship be viewed as genuine friendship?

The interim government must prioritise justice for all Bangladeshi victims of BSF violence, starting with Felani Khatun. It must also demand an immediate end to these killings. If Indian authorities remain uncooperative, Bangladesh should consider taking the issue to international courts and actively raising it on global platforms, as the Jatiya Nagorik Committee recently suggested. It is time for Bangladesh to adopt a firm stance against the BSF's callous treatment of our citizens and India's persistent failure to address this grave issue. Impunity must end, and justice must prevail.​

 

[Saif]

Tension erupts in Bangladesh as India's BSF tries to erect fence beyond boundary

Tension gripped local villagers as the Indian Border Security Force on Wednesday again began constructing fence along the border in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj amid deployment of additional forces on both sides of the border...

www.newagebd.net

Tension erupts in Bangladesh as India's BSF tries to erect fence beyond boundary
Staff Correspondent . Rajshahi 09 January, 2025, 00:30

Tension gripped local villagers as the Indian Border Security Force on Wednesday again began constructing fence along the border in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj amid deployment of additional forces on both sides of the border.

The Indian border force later stopped the construction as Border Guard Bangladesh intervened.

‘On Wednesday morning, a BSF team suddenly arrived to construct barbed wire fencing. Building of any permanent structures or fences, except for agricultural activities, within 150 yards of the border pillars of either country is unlawful, which applies to both nations,’ BGB-14 commander Colonel Mohammad Iqbal Hossain told New Age on Wednesday.

The BGB official said that the BSF personnel, violating international law, attempted to erect barbed wire fencing within 150 yards of the border pillars.

‘Upon learning this, BGB members intervened and stopped them. The BSF personnel then left the spot,’ he added.

Iqbal Hossain further stated that they immediately protested at the attempt, while a company commander-level meeting between the two forces had also been called.

‘If the discussion is not fruitful, a higher-level meeting will be arranged. In light of the situation, BGB patrols in the area have been intensified,’ he said.

Rajshahi BGB sector commander Colonel Md Imran Ibne A Rouf told New Age on Wednesday evening that he had just walked into Bangladesh from India following the meeting with his Indian counterpart.

‘After talking with senior officials, we will inform journalists through a press note or press briefing,’ he said.

Earlier on Sunday morning, BSF members from the Sabdalpur BSF camp in the Gopalganj police jurisdiction in India’s Malda district began constructing a barbed wire fence along the border adjacent to border pillars 177/1S, 2S, and 3S.

When BGB members intervened, a flag meeting was held between the two sides, but no solution was reached.

On Monday, when the BSF resumed the fence construction, the BGB again intervened, leading to tension erupting between the two sides with the BGB and BSF patrols being stepped up and personnel taking position along the border with weapons.

BGB members, meanwhile, on Wednesday also halted the BSF’s attempts to erect barbed wire fences on the no-man’s land at Dhamoirhat upazila in Naogaon.​

 

[Saif]

BGB-BSF flag meeting held over fence construction at Chouka Border

A flag meeting between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Border Security Force (BSF) of India was held on Wednesday afternoon, focusing on the construction of a barbed wire fence at the Chouka border in the district. A decision to suspend the barbed wire fencing and road construction along

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BGB-BSF flag meeting held over fence construction at Chouka Border
Published :
Jan 08, 2025 23:11
Updated :
Jan 08, 2025 23:11

A flag meeting between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Border Security Force (BSF) of India was held on Wednesday afternoon, focusing on the construction of a barbed wire fence at the Chouka border in the district.

A decision to suspend the barbed wire fencing and road construction along the Shibganj frontier in the district was made during the flag meeting, according to a BSS report.

Lieutenant Colonel Md Golam Kibria, Commanding Officer (CO) of the 59 Battalion of the BGB, confirmed the development.

"It was a cordial discussion between the officials of both countries," he said, adding that further decisions would be taken later by the high officials of the two countries.

"Members of the Sabdalpur BSF camp in Gopalganj Thana of Malda district in India started constructing a road and erecting a barbed wire fence along the border last Sunday morning. However, after the BGB's intervention, the work was stopped. The situation is now calm, and additional BGB members have been deployed at the border," the CO stated.

He assured the general public that there is no reason to be afraid.​

 

[Saif]

BGB protests as BSF installs electric poles on zero line

The Border Guard Bangladesh has protested at the Indian Border Security Force installing iron electric poles and an electric device on the zero line along the border at Patgram in Lalmonirhat...

www.newagebd.net

BGB protests as BSF installs electric poles on zero line
Our Correspondent . Lalmonirhat 10 January, 2025, 00:26

The Border Guard Bangladesh has protested at the Indian Border Security Force installing iron electric poles and an electric device on the zero line along the border at Patgram in Lalmonirhat.

The BGB issued the protest on Wednesday.

Later, on the day, the BGB and the BSF held a flag meeting over the issue, said BGB 61 Battalion commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Sheikh Muhammad Musahid Masum.

On Tuesday midnight, the BSF installed the iron electric poles and electric device on the zero line, he said.

BSF 98 Battalion members in Cooch Behar of West Bengal in India installed the electric poles and electrical equipment on the India-Bangladesh border at the sub-pillar number 2 of the main pillar number 829, which is 50 yards within the zero line of the Gatiarvita border at Patgram union.

The international law does not allow installing any such infrastructure within 150 yards of the no-man’s land.

On Wednesday morning, farmers had noticed the matter and informed the BGB about it and the BGB had sent a letter to the BSF for the flag meeting.

A company commander-level flag meeting was held at the border point in the evening on the day.

The BGB urged the BSF to abide by international border laws regarding the zero line.

The BSF later removed the installed equipment and poles.

BGB 61 Battalion commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Sheikh Muhammad Musahid Masum said that the BSF informed them that they had installed the poles and device to contain various types of damage in tea gardens.

‘We have clearly stated that there is no scope for constructing any establishment within the zero line as per international laws and agreements,’ he said, adding that the BSF had removed the constructed structures following the flag meeting.

In Chapainawabganj, tension had gripped local villagers as the BSF on Wednesday again began constructing fence along the border at Shibganj upazila amid deployment of additional forces on both sides of the border.

The Indian border force later stopped the construction as the BGB intervened.

Earlier on Sunday morning, BSF members from the Sabdalpur BSF camp in the Gopalganj police jurisdiction in India’s Malda district began constructing a barbed wire fence along the border adjacent to border pillars 177/1S, 2S, and 3S.

BGB members on Wednesday also halted the BSF’s attempts to erect barbed wire fences on the no-man’s land at Dhamoirhat in Naogaon.​

 

[Saif]

Tension erupts again over India's bid to build fence along Bangladesh border

Tension erupted again between the Border Guard Bangladesh and Indian Border Security Force on Friday morning over building a barbed wire fence by the Indian force along Dahagram border in Patgram upazila in Lalmonirhat.

www.newagebd.net

Tension erupts again over India's bid to build fence along Bangladesh border
Our Correspondent . Lalmonirhat 11 January, 2025, 00:20

File photo

Tension erupted again between the Border Guard Bangladesh and Indian Border Security Force on Friday morning over building a barbed wire fence by the Indian force along Dahagram border in Patgram upazila in Lalmonirhat.

Tension flared up as the BGB protested at the BSF’s attempt to build a fence in the 150-yard no-man’s-land, which is a breach of international laws.

The construction of barbed wire fence was going on till filing the report at 10:00pm on Friday, as the Indian border force ignored the BGB’s protestations.

A large contingent of BSF personnel were deployed in the Indian side along the border, while 1.5 platoons of BGB members were stationed in the Bangladesh side. Local people also accompanied the BGB, according to its officials and local people.

International laws do not allow installing any infrastructure within 150 yards of the no-man’s-land.

BGB officials said that local residents informed them on Friday morning that the BSF was constructing a barbed-wire fence engaging 30–35.

BGB 51 Battalion assistant director Amir Khasru said that they protested at the BSF act instantly.

‘Responding to our protest, they initially halted the work but a little later they started building the fence again,’ said Khasru, adding that 1.5 platoons of BGB members were deployed at border over the issue.

Tension along the border began escalating since the final week of December past year over BSF’s attempts to build fence and other structures.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Bangladesh border force protested at the Indian border force’s attempt to installing iron electric poles along with an electric device on the zero line at the Patgram border in Lalmonirhat. On that day, the two sides held a flag meeting over the issue.

On Wednesday again in Chapainawabganj, local villagers became anxious as the BSF began constructing a fence along the border at Shibganj upazila leading to deployment of additional forces on both sides of the border.

The Indian border force later stopped the construction as the BGB intervened.

Earlier on December 29, BSF members from it Sabdalpur camp in the Gopalganj police jurisdiction in India’s Malda district began constructing a barbed wire fence at a spot adjacent to border pillars 177/1S, 2S, and 3S.

BGB members on Wednesday also halted the BSF’s attempts to erect barbed wire fences on the no-man’s land at Dhamoirhat in Naogaon.​

 

[Saif]

Flag meeting held between BGB and BSF over Fencing at Naogaon border

A flag meeting between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) was held over a tense situation that arose regarding the construction of a barbed wire fence by the BSF along the Bastabar border in Dhamoirhat upazila of Naogaon. The meeting took place on Friday at 4:

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Flag meeting held between BGB and BSF over Fencing at Naogaon border
Published :
Jan 10, 2025 23:16
Updated :
Jan 10, 2025 23:16

A flag meeting between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) was held over a tense situation that arose regarding the construction of a barbed wire fence by the BSF along the Bastabar border in Dhamoirhat upazila of Naogaon.

The meeting took place on Friday at 4:30 pm on the zero line adjacent to the Bastabar Border Outpost (BOP) in Dhamoirhat upazila.

The meeting was held between the commander of the Shibpur Company of BSF's 123rd Battalion and the commander of the Bastabar BOP of BGB's 14th Battalion, UNB reports.

Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Iqbal Hossain, the commanding officer of BGB's 14th Battalion, said that the company-level commanders of both BGB and BSF engaged in a cordial discussion. The BSF agreed to halt the construction of the barbed wire fence. A decision on whether fences or roads will be built along the border will be taken through discussions between higher officials of BGB and BSF.

He added that the BSF assured that they would not construct any fences or structures within 150 yards of the zero line. If they attempt to violate this commitment, BGB will resist such actions.

According to BGB and local sources, as per the law, no border country is allowed to construct fences or structures within 150 yards of the zero line, except for agricultural purposes. However, BSF personnel attempted to build structures along the border, violating international law. Following the activities, BGB personnel intervened and stopped the construction. Subsequently, the BSF members left without completing their work.​

 

[Saif]

BORDER FENCING BY INDIA: Tension on as BSF avoids flag meeting

A tense situation continued in Dahagram border at Patgram in Lalmonirhat as the Indian Border Security Force made no response to Border Guard Bangladesh’s call for holding a flag meeting over the construction...

www.newagebd.net

BORDER FENCING BY INDIA: Tension on as BSF avoids flag meeting
Our Correspondent . Lalmonirhat 12 January, 2025, 01:33

New Age photo

A tense situation continued in Dahagram border at Patgram in Lalmonirhat as the Indian Border Security Force made no response to Border Guard Bangladesh’s call for holding a flag meeting over the construction barbed wire fence till Saturday evening.

The BSF with the help of 30-35 people constructed a four-foot high barbed wire fence on a stretch of about one kilometre and a half on the zero line Friday morning amid a tense situation as the BGB protested against it.

High officials of both the BSF and the BGB visited the bordering area Saturday morning while authorities from the both sides increased deployment of forces along the border, said local people and BGB officials in the district.

Dahagram Union Parishad member Golam Rabbani said that the BSF had started constructing the barbed wire fence on the zero line of the border illegally.

‘If India does not remove the barbed wire fence from the zero line, we will launch a movement,’ he said.

BGB 51 Battalion assistant director Amir Khasru said that the BSF did not respond to the BGB calls for a flag meeting over the issue.

‘The situation is normal. We have deployed additional BGB members on borders. We have urged general people to remain alert,’ Amir said.

He said that they were trying to resolve the issue at the earliest in consultation with the higher authorities concerned.

Tensions along the Indian border have been increasing since the final week of December 2024 over the construction of fences.

The Border Guard Bangladesh has protested at the Indian Border Security Force installing iron electric poles and an electric device on the zero line along the border at Patgram in Lalmonirhat.

The BGB issued the protest on Wednesday.

Later on the day, the BGB and the BSF held a flag meeting over the issue.

In Chapainawabganj, tension gripped local villagers as the BSF on Wednesday again began constructing fences along the border at Shibganj amid deployment of additional forces on both sides of the border.

The Indian border force later stopped the construction as the BGB intervened.

Earlier on December 29, BSF members from the Sabdalpur BSF camp in the Gopalganj police jurisdiction in India’s Malda district began constructing a barbed wire fence along the border.

BGB members on Wednesday also halted the BSF attempts to erect barbed wire fences on the no-man’s land at Dhamoirhat in Naogaon.

The international law does not allow installing any such infrastructure within 150 yards of the no-man’s land.​

 

[Saif]

BSF obstructs reconstruction of mosque at Beanibazar border

For four years, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has blocked Bangladesh's reconstruction of a 200-year-old mosque along the Gajukata border in Beanibazar, Sylhet. As a result, the work that began with laying the foundation and installing pillars has stood still for four years. Higher au

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BSF obstructs reconstruction of mosque at Beanibazar border
UNB
Published :
Jan 11, 2025 21:25
Updated :
Jan 11, 2025 21:25

For four years, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has blocked Bangladesh's reconstruction of a 200-year-old mosque along the Gajukata border in Beanibazar, Sylhet. As a result, the work that began with laying the foundation and installing pillars has stood still for four years.

Higher authorities of the government, including the headquarters of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), have been briefed on the matter.

Despite several meetings between the BGB and BSF, the Indian authorities have not agreed to resumption of the reconstruction work.

International laws do not allow for unilaterally installing any infrastructure within 150 yards of the border's zero-line, the so-called "no man's land". Since the site of the mosque falls within this area, Indian consent would be needed to reconstruct it. However, BSF has been opposing the project for the last four years, after initially agreeing.

It is a mirror image of the situation along the border in Chapainawabganj, where BGB has been objecting to the Indians engaging in construction of their much-vaunted border fence within the same 150-yard mark on the Indian side.

Although BGB officials previously issued strong protests against the obstruction, communication on the issue has dwindled over the last two years. BGB-52 Battalion Commander Lt. Colonel Mehedi Hasan, PPM, said that the current tensions between the two governments in Delhi and Dhaka have to be resolved above his paygrade, and diplomatic efforts are underway to that end.

Local residents explained that the mosque's structure had deteriorated, with exposed iron rods and a collapsing roof, making it hazardous for prayer. Consequently, the villagers decided to construct a new mosque nearby. Union Parishad member Zainul Islam mentioned that authorities at higher levels were informed, but no action has been taken. He emphasized that the issue requires a state-level decision.

Former Union Parishad member Aftab Uddin recounted the events leading up to the dispute. Villagers had decided to rebuild the mosque and sought BGB's support four years ago. Following discussions with BSF, villagers were verbally assured there would be no objection. They collected funds and completed the foundation and pillars. However, when work on the roof began, BSF intervened and halted the project.

BGB sources confirmed that BSF initially agreed not to oppose the mosque's reconstruction during a flag meeting but later reversed their stance.

Lt. Colonel Mehedi Hasan said that BSF's objection was not to the reconstruction, but rather against any expansion of the mosque. He added that establishing new structures in such areas requires state-level decisions, which complicates the matter further.​

 

[Saif]

India’s foreign policy reflects hegemonic tendencies: SAD-JU

On the anniversary of Felani’s murder, the Jahangirnagar University (JU) branch of 'Students Against Discrimination' (SAD) organised a protest march and a brief rally against border killings by Indian forces and Indian hegemony. The march began at 8:00 pm on Tuesday and concluded at the camp

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

India’s foreign policy reflects hegemonic tendencies: SAD-JU
Student leaders called for an end to border killings
JU CORRESPONDENT
Published :
Jan 08, 2025 09:28
Updated :
Jan 08, 2025 09:28

On the anniversary of Felani’s murder, the Jahangirnagar University (JU) branch of 'Students Against Discrimination' (SAD) organised a protest march and a brief rally against border killings by Indian forces and Indian hegemony.

The march began at 8:00 pm on Tuesday and concluded at the campus Shaheed Minar.

During the rally, SAD leaders called for an end to border killings, criticizing India for its hegemonic behaviour toward Bangladesh.

Imran Shahriar, Senior Joint Convener of the SAD Jahangirnagar University chapter, moderated the event.

During the rally, Member Secretary Towhid Siam stated, "The movement of 24 was not just a fight against Hasina but also a stand against Indian hegemony. With Hasina's fall on August 05, we delivered a strong blow to Indian dominance. Let me be clear—if the Indian government continues to treat Bangladesh as its dominion, they will face a fitting response. The interim government must disclose all agreements made during the previous regime to the public. Every border killing must be brought to justice; otherwise, the people of Bangladesh will rise in anger once again."

Convener Arifuzzaman Uzzal stated, "The Felani murder, along with hundreds of similar killings, went untried under the previous fascist government, fostering a culture of impunity in Bangladesh. We demand an end to border killings and a commitment to justice. Through the student movement, we have ousted the fascist regime, and its flawed foreign policy must also be discarded. Only then will India no longer be able to maintain its hegemonic stance. Today, we stand in protest for Felani. Let us not have to stand for any other brother or sister in the future."

This year marks the 14th anniversary of the killing of Bangladeshi teenager Felani Khatun by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF). On this day in 2011, Felani was shot and her body left hanging on the barbed wire at the Bangladesh-India border. The BSF member responsible and his superior remain unpunished.

Felani's killing shows the Indian government's aggressive approach toward Bangladesh. Indiscriminate killings and torture by the BSF are reoccurring issues. According to human rights group Odhikar, from January 2009 to November 2024, the BSF allegedly killed 588 and injured 773 Bangladeshi citizens at the border.​

 

[Saif]

Tension along border continues

The government on Sunday urged India to refrain from any provocative actions amid tensions along the border over the construction of border fencing in violation the international law at...

www.newagebd.net

Tension along border continues
Mustafizur Rahman and Tanzil Rahaman 12 January, 2025, 17:51

Front view of foreign affars ministry building in Dhaka. | BSS photo

Indian envoy summoned, asked to refrain from provocative actions, deployment of forces increased on both sides

The government on Sunday urged India to refrain from any provocative actions amid tensions along the border over the construction of border fencing in violation the international law at several points with additional deployment of forces on both sides.

The foreign ministry summoned the high commissioner of India to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on the day to express its concern over the construction of barbed wire fence and protest at the recent killing of a Bangladeshi national by the Indian Border Security Force in the border.

Foreign secretary Md Jashim Uddin conveyed to the Indian envoy that such activities, particularly the attempt to construct unauthorised barbed wire fence and the related operational actions by the BSF, had caused tensions and disturbances in the border, said a foreign ministry release.

‘The foreign secretary called upon the government of India to advise all authorities concerned in India to refrain from any provocative actions that could escalate tensions along the shared border,’ said the release.

Pranay Verma was seen entering the foreign ministry at about 3:00pm.

‘We have an understanding with regard to fencing the border for security. Our two border forces –– the BSF and the BGB –– have been in communication in this regard,’ Pranay Verma told reporters after the meeting that lasted for half an hour.

He expressed the hope that the understanding the two border forces had would be implemented in a cooperative approach in combating the crossborder crimes.

The Indian high commissioner said that he met the foreign secretary to discuss India’s commitment to ensuring a crime-free border and effectively addressing the challenges of smuggling and trafficking.

Earlier on the day, home affairs adviser retired lieutenant general Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that the Border Guard Bangladesh was on the alert along borders and their strong position accompanied by local people forced India to stop the construction of barbed wire fences at five points in Chapainawabganj, Naogaon and Lalmonirhat.

‘We have decided to send a letter to India for scrapping the unequal deals related to the border signed during the previous government,’ the home adviser told reporters at the ministry.

He said that BGB-BSF director general level talks would take place in February.

Referring to the 1975 Joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines for border authorities, the home affairs adviser said that there was a specific ban on defence-related activities within 150 years from the zero line of the border.

If any country wants to construct any structure in the 150 yards of the no man’s land, it has to take permission from the other country, he said.

India had already constructed barbed wire fences in areas of 3,271 kilometres of the 4,156km border, according to the home adviser.

Foreign secretary Md Jashim Uddin expressed deep concern of the government to the Indian high commissioner over the recent activities of the BSF

He emphasized that the construction of barbed wire fences without proper authorisation undermined the spirit of cooperation and friendly relations between the two countries.

The foreign secretary hoped that the upcoming BGB-BSF DG-level talks would discuss the matter at length, said the release.

Bangladesh believes that such issues should be resolved through constructive dialogue, in accordance with the existing bilateral agreements, and in a way that upholds peace and tranquility along the border, he mentioned.

Referring to the recent killing of a Bangladesh citizen in Sunamganj by the BSF, the foreign secretary expressed deep concern and disappointment over the continued repetition of border killings.

He strongly resented such killings and called for urgent actions by the Indian authorities to stop recurrence of such incidents and conduct enquiries into all the border killings and bring the perpetratos to justice.

Jashim mentioned that it was a matter of grave concern as border killings continued despite repeated firm commitments from the Indian authorities to pursue non-lethal strategy and to stop such killings, said the release.

Tensions in the bordering region have been increasing since the final week of December 2024 over the construction of fences.

In the latest incident, the BSF with the help of 30-35 people constructed a four-foot high barbed wire fence on a stretch of about one kilometre and a half on the zero line on Friday amid a tense situation as the BGB protested against it.

The tense situation continued on Sunday as another Bangladeshi national was injured in BSF firing, New Age correspondent in Lalmonirhat reported.

The BSF has made no response to repeated calls the BGB has made since Friday for a flag meeting over the construction of barbed wire fences along Dahagram border at Patgram Lalmonirhat.

Local people remain vigilant alongside BGB members at Dahagram border.

BGB 51 Battalion assistant director Amir Khasru said that they called on the BSF for a flag meeting whenever the Indian force violated international border laws.

BGB 51 Battalion commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Selim Al Din said that they lodged strong protest when the BSF constructed any structure within 150 yards of the border.

Rajshahi BGB sector commander Colonel Md Imran Ibne A Rouf said that the BSF stopped the construction work of erecting barbed wire fence within 150 yards of the border pillars at Chapainawabganj and Naogaon borders, following border guards’ interventions and protests, New Age Staff Correspondent in Rajshahi reported.

‘The BSF was erecting the barbed wire fence, although no permanent structures or fences, except for agricultural activities, can be placed within 150 yards of the border pillars of either country as per the law,’ he said.

Earlier, tension gripped local villagers as the BSF on Wednesday again began constructing fences along the border at Shibganj in Chapainawabganj and at Dhamoirhat in Naogaon amid deployment of additional forces on both sides of the border.

On January 7, the Border Guard Bangladesh protested at the Indian Border Security Force installing iron electric poles and an electric device on the zero line along the border at Patgram.

Border killings continued to go unabated as at least 30 Bangladeshis were killed in BSF firing in 2024, according to rights organisation Ain O Salish Kendra.

The ASK data also showed that 31 Bangladeshis were killed in BSF firing in 2023.

From January 2009 to November 2024, the BSF reportedly killed 588 Bangladeshis and injured 773 Bangladeshis, according to rights body Odhikar.​

 

[Saif]

BSF’s border fencing move strains bilateral relations

THIS is unacceptable that India’s Border Security Force continues creating tension with efforts to erect fences on the zero line in violation of international laws and bilateral agreements. The Indian border force is reported to be constructing barbed-wire or iron electric fences along the...

www.newagebd.net

BSF’s border fencing move strains bilateral relations
13 January, 2025, 00:00

THIS is unacceptable that India’s Border Security Force continues creating tension with efforts to erect fences on the zero line in violation of international laws and bilateral agreements. The Indian border force is reported to be constructing barbed-wire or iron electric fences along the border in Lalmonirhat, Chapainawabganj and Naogaon. While the Indian guards stopped construction in the wake of protests by the Border Guard Bangladesh and flag meetings at some places, they have ignored calls for flag meetings at some other places. Tension along the border has, in fact, been increasing since the last days of December 2024 over the fence construction. Tension gripped villagers as the Indian guards on December 8 again began constructing fences along the Shibganj border amid the additional deployment on both sides of the border. The Indian force, however, stopped the construction after the Bangladesh guards had intervened. Bangladesh guards also halted the BSF attempts on the no-man’s land at Dhamoirhat in Naogaon. A tense situation, meanwhile, continues at Patgram, Lalmonirhat, as the Indian force, constructed a four feet high barbed-wire fence spanning a kilometre and a half on the zero line, ignoring a BGB call for a flag meeting.

While the illegal construction of fences on the zero line by Indian guards strains the relations between the two neighbours, Indian guards have continued to shoot Bangladeshis. In a recent such incident, a young man was injured as the Indian guards fired into a group of Bangladeshis on the Baghachipara border at Shibganj in Chapainawabganj on January 11. BSF high-handedness and consequent border killing have remained prickly issues. At least 30 Bangladeshis died in BSF firing in 2024 alone, as rights organisation Odhikar says. On many occasions, the Indian authorities promised to end border killing, but the Indian guards have continued to use lethal weapons and kill and torture Bangladeshis. What is also problematic is the claim of the Indian authorities that their border guards kill ‘criminals’ and ‘smugglers’. Cross-border smuggling happens on the border and such smuggling involves people from both sides and there are agreements and international laws to be followed in dealing with smugglers. Indian authorities pledged to follow the laws and never use lethal weapons, but the Indian guards continue to pursue a shoot-to-kill policy, dishonouring the agreements and memoranda signed between Bangladesh and India. In many instances, Indian guards have tortured and killed Bangladeshis, mostly farmers, well inside the Bangladesh territory.

According to international laws, a number of agreements and memoranda on the boundary and fence construction, neither Bangladesh nor India can erect or construct anything within 150 yards of the zero line without consultation with the other party. Dhaka should, therefore, strongly protest at the illegal construction of fences by Indian guards while Bangladeshi border guards should remain alert.​