Joypurhat border: BSF’s bid to build fence foiled again

Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) yesterday stopped the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) from putting up a barbed wire fence at the Uchna border area in Joypurhat's Panchbibi upazila.

The BSF tried to erect the fence within 30 yards of the international zero point, violating border agreements, so the attempt was foiled, a BGB official told this newspaper.

According to local sources, BSF personnel from the Chakgopal Camp began building the fence early in the morning amid dense fog, just 25 to 30 yards inside the border on the Indian side, opposite the Bangladeshi land that is under the jurisdiction of the 20-BGB Hatkhola Border Outpost (BOP).

Upon noticing the activity, BGB personnel intervened, prompting the BSF to withdraw their materials and leave the site, Lt Col Nahid Newaz, commander of the 20 BGB Battalion, told this newspaper.

"BSF's attempt to construct a fence so close to Zero Point was a clear violation of international border laws," he said.

BGB acted promptly to prevent the violation, and a flag meeting was offered to the BSF at the company commander level to resolve the matter, he added.

This is not the first border-related incident in Joypurhat this month.

On January 13, BSF personnel fired a blank shot near the Bhuidoba border at Main Pillar 282, Sub-Pillar 43. BGB sources confirmed the incident at the time, saying that BSF admitted firing at suspected smugglers. However, no injuries were reported.

Despite these events, BGB officials have assured that the situation along the border remains calm, with efforts ongoing to maintain peace and prevent further tension, said the BGB officials.