Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has issued the highest alert along the 278-kilometre border in Kurigram amid fears of illegal infiltration and possible “push-ins” linked to the ongoing political situation in West Bengal.
Border patrols, intelligence surveillance and other security measures have been intensified across the frontier areas, officials said on Saturday.
Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Mahbub-ul-Haq, commander of the Kurigram Battalion (22 BGB), said uninterrupted patrols are being carried out round the clock from all Border Outposts (BOPs) under the battalion.
He said intelligence monitoring has also been strengthened to quickly detect and prevent any illegal activities along the border.
According to BGB sources, awareness campaigns and information-gathering activities are also being conducted with the support of local residents, while the movement of suspicious individuals and vehicles is being closely monitored.
“BGB is working under a zero-tolerance policy to prevent smuggling and illegal infiltration. We are always alert and prepared to ensure border security,” said Lt Col Mahbub-ul-Haq.
Meanwhile, Lalmonirhat 15 BGB also issued a similar alert for the 36-kilometre border area in Phulbari upazila, which falls under its jurisdiction.
The battalion said fears of illegal infiltration and push-ins through the border have increased due to the prevailing political situation in India. As part of precautionary measures, additional personnel have been deployed in sensitive and remote border areas.
BGB members are also continuing drives against cross-border crimes, including drug trafficking, cattle smuggling and human trafficking, while intelligence activities have been reinforced alongside regular patrols.
Commanding Officer of Lalmonirhat-15 BGB Lieutenant Colonel Mehedi Imam, PSC, said the force remains fully active in preventing crimes and maintaining border security under directives from the BGB headquarters.
“There is no laxity in border security. Surveillance has been further strengthened based on local intelligence information,” he said.
Local residents said BGB patrols and activities in the border areas have increased significantly in recent days, particularly at night, contributing to greater public vigilance.