ISLAMABAD: Border tensions escalated recently when Border Guard Bangladesh(BGB) personnel confronted and halted the Indian Border Security Force(BSF) from constructing a road near the zero line in Kurigram district. Theincident occurred in Phulbari upazila, where BSF initiated work on a pavedroad approximately 100 to 120 yards from the international border pillar.Local residents and BGB quickly protested, citing violations of establishedborder agreements that prohibit structures within 150 yards of the zeroline.
The construction, aimed at facilitating military logistics in India’s CoochBehar district, sparked immediate outrage among Bangladeshi bordercommunities. Residents gathered at the site, voicing concerns overpotential encroachment and security implications. BGB officials intervenedpromptly, engaging in on-site discussions with BSF counterparts. Followingstrong objections, the BSF temporarily suspended the work, avertingimmediate escalation while a higher-level flag meeting was scheduled.
According to reports from Bangladeshi sources, the road project directlycontravenes the 1975 Indo-Bangladesh border guidelines, which restrictdefensive or permanent structures in the sensitive 150-yard zone. Thisbuffer is intended to prevent misunderstandings and maintain peace alongthe 4,096-kilometer shared border. The incident highlights growingfrictions, particularly since political changes in Bangladesh, withmultiple similar disputes reported in recent months.
BGB commanding officers visited the area to calm locals and assured controlover the situation. The planned battalion-level flag meeting aims toresolve the issue definitively. Data from border monitoring indicates overa dozen such construction-related confrontations in the past year,underscoring the need for stricter adherence to bilateral protocols toavoid recurring tensions.
The Kurigram incident is part of a broader pattern where border forces haveclashed over infrastructure projects. In several cases, BGB hassuccessfully halted BSF activities deemed illegal, including fenceerections and road works close to the zero line. These actions reflectBangladesh’s assertive stance on sovereignty, especially in areas affectinglocal livelihoods and security.
International border laws emphasise no permanent structures within therestricted zone to minimise risks of miscalculation. Violations can lead toprotests, diplomatic notes, and strained relations. In this case, peacefuldialogue prevailed, with BSF agreeing to pause until formal talks,demonstrating the effectiveness of established communication channelsbetween the two forces.
Similar events in districts like Joypurhat and Lalmonirhat have seen BGBinterventions stopping BSF fence or road projects. Statistics show thatunfenced sections of the border remain vulnerable to disputes, withriverine and populated areas complicating management. Both sides maintainthousands of troops along the frontier, tasked with preventing smugglingand illegal crossings.
The confrontation underscores the importance of mutual consent for anydevelopmental work near the border. Previous agreements allow exceptionsonly after joint verification and approval. Analysts note that post-2024political shifts in Bangladesh have led to more vigilant enforcement byBGB, resulting in halted projects previously cleared under differentadministrations.
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As flag meetings continue, both nations aim to uphold the CoordinatedBorder Management Plan, which promotes joint patrols and informationsharing. Resolving such incidents through dialogue remains key topreventing escalation. The Kurigram road halt serves as a reminder of thedelicate balance required in managing one of the world’s longest and mostcomplex land borders.
Ongoing border coordination conferences between BGB and BSF directorsgeneral address these recurring issues, focusing on infrastructure, crimeprevention, and confidence-building measures. Recent talks have emphasisedadherence to the 150-yard rule, with commitments to engage higherauthorities for pending works.
The incident also raises questions about military logistics intentionsbehind the road. While India maintains such projects enhance internalsecurity, Bangladesh views proximity to the border as provocative. Balancedenforcement of agreements is crucial for regional stability.
In conclusion, the swift BGB action in Kurigram prevented potentiallong-term encroachment, reinforcing border integrity. Future resolutionsdepend on sustained diplomatic efforts and respect for historical pactsgoverning the Indo-Bangladesh frontier.
Source:https://www.thedailystar.net/news/tension-flares-kurigram-border-bsf-road-work-near-zero-line-triggers-protests-4076946
Tags: Bangladesh, India, BGB, BSF, Kurigram, Border Disputeogimageimage-name
