The Border Security Force (BSF) has categorically denied reports that the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has taken control of a 5-km stretch of Indian land along the International Border. The BSF termed these reports as “baseless and irresponsible” and clarified that not an inch of Indian land has been or will be taken over by the BGB.
According to the BSF South Bengal Frontier, the area in question is located on the Indian side, in Ranghat village of Bagda block, North 24 Parganas district. The International Boundary (IB) runs along the Kodaliya River, which is well-demarcated by reference pillars on both sides. The BSF emphasized that the status of the IB and their duty pattern have remained unchanged for decades.
The BSF also refuted claims that BGB personnel had started 24-hour patrolling the area using motorized boats and ATVs since December 19. The force stated that these reports are “concocted stories” and that both the BSF and BGB continue to perform their duties on their respective sides of the river.
The BSF acknowledged that the area is unfenced and prone to smuggling and infiltration by Bangladeshi nationals. However, the force has taken strict measures to curb such activities, resulting in negligible infiltration attempts in the region.
The reports had attributed the claims to Lt Col Rafique Islam, the newly-appointed commanding officer of the 58 BGB. The BSF warned that such “false and fabricated claims” will only erode the goodwill between the two border-guarding forces.
