VDP, Ansar to shore up BGB as ‘push-in’ threat looms on Mymensingh-Sherpur border

Border residents and local political leaders have been urged to assist security efforts

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has stepped up strict monitoring to prevent “push-ins” along frontier points in Mymensingh and Sherpur.

Authorities have moved to bring in support from the Village Defence Party (VDP) and Ansar members to strengthen surveillance and response capacity.

The initiative covers the Haluaghat and Dhobaura Upazilas in Mymensingh, along with Nalitabari in Sherpur.

The decision came during a meeting held on Wednesday afternoon at the Dhobaura Upazila Parishad conference room aimed at strengthening border security and preventing push-ins, said Mymensingh-39 BGB Battalion Commander Lt Col Nurul Azim Bayzid on Thursday.

The meeting discussed illegal infiltration attempts and the overall security situation along the border, officials said.

Dhobaura Police chief Shafiqur Islam said a meeting involving people from all walks of life was held at the Upazila administration office to prevent illegal push-ins.

He said it was decided in the meeting to deploy VDP members to strengthen border vigilance.

Dhobaura Upazila administrator (UNO) Mosarof Hossain said push-ins cannot be prevented by the BGB alone, stressing the need for cooperation from locals as well as political and social organisations in border areas.

He said community stakeholders were briefed on the situation and urged to assist the BGB in monitoring activities along the frontier.

Mosarof also said Ansar members had been sought by BGB and would be deployed soon to take up duties in border areas.

Lt Col Bayazid said Ansar personnel are already deployed in some border pockets and additional personnel would be stationed depending on the situation.

He added that local residents and political leaders have been asked to remain alert and support the BGB by sharing information on border developments.