New Delhi: The Border Security Force (BSF) has issued firm directives to its field commanders along the 4,096-km India-Bangladesh border to take stringent action against illegal construction by Bangladeshi nationals and even their border forces, according to official sources. The move comes amidst rising concerns over unauthorized structures along the frontier.
Illegal Activities on the Rise: BSF
Authorities revealed that over 80 cases of illegal construction along the border were recorded in 2024. The BSF’s North Bengal Frontier, which secures 932 km of the border from its Siliguri headquarters, stated in a release that such incidents have seen a sharp rise in recent months.
A particularly alarming incident occurred on the night of February 4-5 in the Dakshin Dinajpur district, where heavily armed Bangladeshi criminals infiltrated Malikpur village. In a clash with BSF personnel, a jawan sustained injuries, while a Bangladeshi miscreant was hospitalized. According to the BSF, the infiltrators were armed with dahs (machetes), sticks, and wire cutters, intending to engage in dacoity and smuggling. Despite using non-lethal means to deter the attackers, the patrol unit was forced to fire in self-defense when the criminals attempted to snatch a jawan’s weapon.
Border Vigilance Intensified: BSF
Following the incident, BSF commanders have been directed to keep a strict watch and take immediate action against any unlawful construction within 150 yards of the International Border (IB). Senior officers stationed at rear bases have also been instructed to visit frontline areas frequently and stay at the borders whenever necessary.
The North Bengal Frontier has previously stated that both the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Bangladeshi nationals have been persistently attempting to construct illegal structures near the IB. However, BSF’s vigilance has thwarted these attempts.
Political and Diplomatic Implications
Tensions between India and Bangladesh have been escalating, particularly after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina administration in August 2024. Although senior BSF officials maintain that working relations with the BGB remain stable, they acknowledge that recent incidents are adding to border tensions.
Bangladesh recently raised concerns with India over BSF’s actions regarding fencing and alleged border killings. However, India has assured that all protocols are being adhered to while reinforcing border security. The Indian government has communicated to Bangladesh that it expects cooperation in curbing cross-border crimes, including illegal construction.
BSF: Border Security Measures and Challenges
State Minister for Home Nityanand Rai, in a written response to Parliament, reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening border security. He revealed that 864.482 km of the border remains unfenced, with 174.51 km deemed “non-feasible” due to factors such as difficult terrain and land acquisition issues. Despite these obstacles, India is pushing forward with its fencing efforts to curb illegal migration, smuggling, and other cross-border crimes.
Meanwhile, the directors general of BSF and BGB are scheduled to meet between February 17-20, during which Bangladesh’s interim administration is expected to seek a revision of certain border agreements with India.
With both countries seeking to assert their positions, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of border security and bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh.
