BGB-BSF tensions flare over ‘push-in attempt’ at Jamalpur border

A stranded man remains in no-man’s land as flag talks fail to resolve the standoff

Tensions have flared along the Jamalpur border after an alleged push-in attempt by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) left one man stranded in no-man’s land.

A flag meeting held on Wednesday morning failed to resolve the situation, according to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

The incident took place around 5am at Ramrampur border in Bokshiganj Upazila when BSF members from the Nandirchar camp allegedly tried to push a man into Bangladesh territory, said BGB 35 Battalion Commander Lt Col Hasanur Rahman.

BGB personnel and local residents said they detected the attempt early in the morning and moved to block it.

Faced with their resistance, the 60-year-old man retreated to the zero line, where he has remained since.

Local resident Kamrul Islam said a flag meeting was held at 10:30am, led by an assistant director of Jamalpur 35 BGB and an inspector from the Nandirchar BSF camp.

But the BSF left without taking the man back, leaving him at the zero line and reigniting tension at the border.

According to locals, the BSF has repeatedly tried to push the man across, but he has turned back each time after encountering resistance.

"The BSF has been trying to push someone in for several days now. But we residents are standing with the BGB," Abdul Mannan, another resident of Ramrampur, said.

Lt Col Rahman said efforts were made to resolve the matter through dialogue, but no solution was reached, adding that the BGB remains on high alert to prevent any further push-ins.