Chapainawabganj, Jan 08, (V7N) - In the past two days, tensions have escalated at the Chouka border in Shibganj, Chapainawabganj, due to the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) constructing a barbed wire fence. The issue led to two rounds of flag meetings between the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) and BSF on Monday and Tuesday afternoons, but no agreement was reached. Both forces are currently on high alert along the border.

Background of the Dispute The dispute began around five to six months ago, during the previous Awami League government, when India constructed a dirt road 50 yards inside Bangladesh territory, beyond the international boundary marker 177/1S and 2S. The road was built within 100 yards of the international no-man's land, a region closely monitored by both countries. When BSF attempted to add barbed wire fencing along this newly constructed road, the BGB intervened, causing tensions between the two forces.

Local Reaction and Increased Deployment Local Bangladeshis, angered by the intrusion and seeking to protect the nation's land, joined the BGB and stayed near the border throughout the day to resist BSF's actions. Indian nationals were also observed aligning with BSF's position. On Tuesday morning, additional BGB personnel were deployed, and senior BGB officers, including sector commanders, visited the site to assess the situation.

Lieutenant Colonel Golam Kibria, commander of BGB's 59th battalion, confirmed that when BSF began constructing the fence near the boundary, the BGB intervened, causing the first flag meeting. However, no resolution was reached. On Tuesday, BSF once again attempted to build the fence within Bangladesh's territory, but BGB halted the construction, escalating the tension. Although the situation has calmed, both forces remain on alert.

Other Developments at the Border In the Sukhdevpur area of Malda district, West Bengal, approximately 100 meters of the border lacked any fencing, leaving it almost open. When BSF began building the barbed wire fence in this area, the BGB raised objections, forcing BSF to halt the construction midway.

The situation remains under close monitoring by both nations, with ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue and prevent further conflicts.

END/COR/AJ/