BGB blocks BSF ‘push-in’ of 9 people at Kurigram border

Local villagers are patrolling the area alongside border guards

India’s Border Security Force (BSF) has tried to push nine people through two border points in Kurigram’s Roumari Upazila. However, they have remained on the zero line in India due to the efforts of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

The incident took place on the Goyatapara and Bhandhurchar border areas on Sunday morning, said Lieutenant Colonel Hasanur Rahman, commander of the Jamalpur 35 BGB Battalion.

Those stalled on the zero line are six men, one woman and two children.

The BGB said that around 6am, an attempt was made to force six people to enter Bangladesh through the Goyatapara Bangshirchar Battala border near main pillar No. 1060 of the border. At the same time, the BSF also tried to push three more people across the Bhandhurchar border.

Upon receiving news of the incident, BGB personnel took up positions in the border area. In addition, local villagers also helped strengthen surveillance on the border. Tensions have heightened in the border area over this incident.

Lieutenant Colonel Hasanur said, “The BGB is very firm in protecting the country’s sovereignty and border security. Since the attempted infiltration incident, security measures and surveillance have been further strengthened along the border. The BGB is always ready to prevent any kind of illegal infiltration.”

Local Upazila council Member Sona Mia said that there are concerns about recent attempts to push people illegally into Bangladesh through the border. As such, locals are also on alert along with the BGB in the Goytapara border area.

The six people who BSF tried to push in are currently remaining about 50 yards inside Indian territory, he said.

Havildar Masud Rana of the Goytapara BOP camp said, “Initially, we prevented the BSF’s push-in. BGB patrols have been strengthened in the border area to avoid any untoward situation. The local people are also helping us with the situation.”