BSF Halts Illegal Bunker Construction by Bangladesh Border Guards
Kolkata, February 3, 2025: The Border Security Force (BSF) has successfully prevented multiple attempts by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to construct unauthorized bunkers and houses within the restricted 150-yard zone along the India-Bangladesh border. The latest incident, which took place on February 1 in North Bengal, marks the second such occurrence in just two days, further escalating tensions between the neighboring nations.
BSF Blocks Unauthorized Border Construction
During a routine patrol on Friday night, BSF personnel from the Kishanganj sector detected fortification work by Bangladeshi nationals along the Kulik River embankment, well within the prohibited 150-yard zone of the international boundary. In response, BSF objected to the construction, leading to an immediate flag meeting where BGB officials agreed to halt the activity.
A similar incident took place a day earlier in the Dahgram Angarpota enclave, where BGB personnel were found constructing a sentry post bunker. Strong opposition from the BSF forced an immediate cessation of the construction work. Additionally, in Phulkadabari, Mekhliganj, an illegal house being built within the restricted border zone was dismantled after BSF intervention.
Over the past month, BSF officials have reported a surge in unauthorized construction attempts by Bangladeshi nationals in the North Bengal and Bihar sectors. While some structures were found outside the restricted zone, the recent attempts within the 150-yard limit have sparked security concerns.
Political and Security Ramifications
The ongoing border disputes come at a time when diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh are already under strain due to a political shift in Dhaka. Since the change in leadership in August last year, the Muhammad Yunus-led caretaker government has adopted a new stance on border policies, reversing approvals previously granted under Sheikh Hasina’s administration.
The BSF and BGB have clashed repeatedly over border infrastructure projects. Last month, tensions flared in Malda, North Bengal, when Indian villagers attempted to erect a border fence, leading to stone-pelting incidents between locals from both sides.
Meanwhile, Bangladeshi officials have hinted at revisiting certain border agreements, including the 2011 pact on the Dahgram-Angarpota enclave and the Tinbigha corridor. On February 7, Lt. Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, an advisor to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs, indicated that Dhaka may seek to renegotiate “uneven agreements” with India during the upcoming BSF-BGB director-general level talks, scheduled from February 17-20 in New Delhi.
Local Concerns and Increased Vigilance
The increasing hostilities have led Indian villagers near the border to take independent security measures. Residents of Andaran-Kharkharia village recently constructed a 3.5-kilometer fence for protection, despite strong opposition from the BGB. The villagers further reinforced the fence with bamboo poles and glass bottles to detect any tampering.
BSF sources confirmed that illegal construction attempts were also observed in Jhikabari, Kuchlibari, and Mekhliganj, Cooch Behar, where several unauthorized houses were identified. The BSF has since intensified its border patrols to curb illegal encroachments and cross-border smuggling.
The recent spike in border tensions underscores the growing strain in India-Bangladesh relations. While the Indian government has emphasized the importance of honoring bilateral agreements, the Bangladesh administration appears to be reconsidering key accords. With the BSF-BGB talks on the horizon, both nations must urgently address border security concerns to prevent further escalation and maintain peace along the 4,156-kilometer shared boundary.
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