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Dhaka     Monday   17 February 2025

BSF setup guard posts at Thakurgaon border ‘violating rules’

Mainuddin Talukder Himel || risingbd.com

Published: 23:06, 19 January 2025   Update: 23:07, 19 January 2025
BSF setup guard posts at Thakurgaon border ‘violating rules’

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) allegedly set up several guard posts 150 yards inside Bangladesh from the zero line on the Thakurgaon border.

These checkpoints have become a symbol of fear for the normal activities and movement of Bangladeshi nationals in the border areas.

The issue came to light while talking to locals in the area. Besides, Bangladesh Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) said that after investigating the matter, objections will be raised with the BSF, if necessary.

According to BGB, out of the 4,156-kilometer border between Bangladesh and India, Thakurgaon has about 156 kilometers. There are a total of 29 Border Observation Post or BOPs in the district.

Thakurgaon BGB-50 and Dinajpur BGB-42 have strengthened security by increasing members and patrols in each BOP due to the ongoing situation.

While visiting the border areas, it was seen that the Indian security force has set up several guard posts within 150 yards of the zero line on the Bangladesh side.

Three BSF guard posts were seen within 150 yards of the zero line, without following the specified distance rule, between pillars 379 and 380 on the Ratnai border in Baliadangi Upazila of Thakurgaon.

According to international rules, no structures or border walls are allowed within 150 yards of the zero line, except for growing crops.

Gaffar Ali, a farmer of Paria union adjacent to the border, said we can't cultivate our own land. They (BSF) chase us now and then. They have set up guard posts near zero line.

Thakurgaon BGB sector commander Golam Rabbani told risingbd that Thakurgaon BGB is on alert amid tensions with India along the country's various borders.

Dhaka/Himel/Nasim