India has been compelled to halt the construction of barbed-wire fences along several border areas following the strong stance taken by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local residents, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday. Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat on the Bangladesh-India border situation, the adviser said that India had initiated fencing work at five points along the border. Mentioning that four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed between the two countries regarding border demarcation and the responsibilities of respective border forces, he said, "These agreements stipulate that no defense-related construction or development work can be carried out within 150 yards of the zero line without mutual consent.” The adviser mentioned that India has already fenced 3,271 kilometres out of the 4,156-kilometre border shared with Bangladesh, leaving 885 kilometres unfenced. BSF obstructs reconstruction of mosque at Beanibazar border He criticised the previous government for permitting certain actions by India that were against Bangladesh’s interests. “From 2010 to 2023, India constructed fences in 160 locations, creating complications. Another 78 spots also face issues and recently, disputes have arisen at five locations, including Chapainawabganj, the Tin Bigha Corridor in Lalmonirhat, Patnitala in Naogaon, Feni, Kushtia, and Cumilla,” he said. The adviser revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed and the Indian High Commissioner may be summoned soon to discuss the matter. "Work at all disputed points has been halted and we will not allow further activities." Tin Bigha Corridor Dispute On the issue of the Tin Bigha Corridor, the adviser criticised the lack of reciprocity in agreements. "In 1974, Bangladesh handed over Berubari following the treaty, which was ratified by our Parliament. In return, India was supposed to provide us with permanent access to the Tin Bigha Corridor. While we fulfilled our part, India failed to ratify the agreement in their Parliament," he said. BGB intervenes in BSF's attempt to build fence at Lalmonirhat border Despite a 2010 agreement to ensure 24-hour access through the corridor, India constructed fences in the Angorpota-Dahagram area, violating the clause that prohibits construction within 150 yards of the zero line, he explained. “Legally, our ability to obstruct such actions is limited due to prior agreements. If we become overly assertive, India might retaliate by restricting access to the corridor,” he said. The upcoming BGB-BSF director general-level meeting in February is expected to address these concerns, he said, adding, "We aim to resolve the disputes through discussions and formal communication, including a letter requesting the cancellation of previous unequal agreements." Strengthening Border Security When asked about measures to enhance border security, the adviser stressed that Bangladesh has ample resources and the support of its people. "The people are our greatest strength. Together with the BGB, we will overcome any challenges posed by India’s activities," he said. ‘Bullet fired from Indian side’ kills youth along Sunamganj border On whether Bangladesh plans to annul the concessions granted by previous administrations, Jahangir Alam stated, "Our Director General will raise the issue during the February meeting. We will also formally request India to void the unfavorable agreements." Despite the complexities, the adviser expressed optimism about resolving the disputes, crediting the vigilance of journalists and public awareness. "Media reports have been instrumental in prompting swift action. If not for your efforts, such issues might have escalated," he said.

For four years, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has blocked Bangladesh's reconstruction of a 200-year-old mosque along the Gajukata border in Beanibazar, Sylhet. As a result, the work that began with laying the foundation and installing pillars has stood still for four years. Higher authorities of the government, including the headquarters of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), have been briefed on the matter.   Despite several meetings between the BGB and BSF, the Indian authorities have not agreed to resumption of the reconstruction work. BNP factional clashes in Gopalganj leave 25 injured International laws do not allow for unilaterally installing any infrastructure within 150 yards of the border's zero-line, the so-called "no man's land". Since the site of the mosque falls within this area, Indian consent would be needed to reconstruct it. However, BSF has been opposing the project for the last four years, after initially agreeing. It is a mirror image of the situation along the border in Chapainawabganj, where BGB has been objecting to the Indians engaging in construction of their much-vaunted border fence within the same 150-yard mark on the Indian side. Although BGB officials previously issued strong protests against the obstruction, communication on the issue has dwindled over the last two years. BGB-52 Battalion Commander Lt. Colonel Mehedi Hasan, PPM, said that the current tensions between the two governments in  Delhi and Dhaka have to be resolved above his paygrade, and diplomatic efforts are underway to that end. Local residents explained that the mosque’s structure had deteriorated, with exposed iron rods and a collapsing roof, making it hazardous for prayer. Consequently, the villagers decided to construct a new mosque nearby. Union Parishad member Zainul Islam mentioned that authorities at higher levels were informed, but no action has been taken. He emphasized that the issue requires a state-level decision. BGB intervenes in BSF's attempt to build fence at Lalmonirhat border Former Union Parishad member Aftab Uddin recounted the events leading up to the dispute. Villagers had decided to rebuild the mosque and sought BGB’s support four years ago. Following discussions with BSF, villagers were verbally assured there would be no objection. They collected funds and completed the foundation and pillars. However, when work on the roof began, BSF intervened and halted the project. BGB sources confirmed that BSF initially agreed not to oppose the mosque’s reconstruction during a flag meeting but later reversed their stance. Lt. Colonel Mehedi Hasan said that BSF's objection was not to the reconstruction, but rather against any expansion of the mosque. He added that establishing new structures in such areas requires state-level decisions, which complicates the matter further.

Members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have detained 58 Rohingyas, including women, children, and elderly individuals, during an illegal entry attempt through the Buchitong border in Alikadam Upazila’s Nayapara Union, Bandarban. The operation was conducted by the Alikadam Battalion in the early hours of Saturday. According to police and local sources, the detentions were made following a tip-off about Rohingyas fleeing Myanmar with assistance from several Bangladeshi nationals. Acting on the information, BGB personnel launched a raid in the border area and held the group at around 4am. They were intercepted while being transported on a truck, a private car, and several motorcycles. Besides, five people accused of facilitating the illegal crossing were also detained during the operation. Saving lives must be first priority, says UNHCR as more Rohingya flee by sea Legal proceedings against them are underway, and cases are being prepared at Alikadam Police Station. The Rohingyas, meanwhile, are expected to be pushed back to Myanmar as part of the authorities' ongoing efforts to prevent illegal crossings. Alikadam Police Station’s officer-in-charge, Mirza Zahid Uddin, confirmed receiving information about the detainees but said that no case had yet been filed. “Appropriate measures will be taken once the case is lodged,” he added. The attempted crossings come amidst a protracted conflict in Myanmar, where disputes between the government and rebel groups have intensified, forcing many Rohingyas to flee the region in search of safety. Bangladeshi authorities have been vigilant in monitoring the border and check the influx of refugees and maintain security.

A 25-year-old Bangladeshi man was injured in firing by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at the Azmatpur border in the Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj early Saturday. The injured is Shahidul Islam, the son of Anarul Islam of Bagichapara of the upazila, said Lt Col Golam Kibria, commander of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) 59th Battalion. BGB intervenes in BSF's attempt to build fence at Lalmonirhat border The incident happened around 2 am when a group of six smugglers, including Shahidul, was returning to Bangladesh from India with a consignment of Phensedyl. The group was approximately 130 yards inside Indian Territory, near the Azmatpur border, said the BGB official. The BSF personnel stationed at a nearby camp opened fire on the group, resulting in Shahidul being shot. His companions managed to rescue him and flee back to Bangladesh, added Lt Col Kibria. Tension over building fence at C’nawabganj border: BGB, BSF hold flag meeting Later, he (Shahidul) was admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital by his relatives.

Twelve Bangladeshis, who had illegally entered India two years ago, returned home on Friday after serving time in prison there. The returnees, who were lured by brokers promising better job opportunities, crossed into India through various borders. Eleven of them are men, and one is a woman. According to the Benapole Immigration Police, the individuals were handed over by the Petrapole Immigration Police at around 9pm on Friday through a special travel permit. They were brought across the border to Bangladesh’s Benapole check post, where they were formally received. Benapole Immigration Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Imtiaz Bhuiyan said that the group was handed over to the Benapole Immigration Police around 9pm. BSF hands over body of Bangladeshi found on border After completing necessary paperwork, they were transferred to the Benapole Port Police Station. Today, a local NGO, Rights Jashore, took the returnees under their care, he added. The returnees are Ashiqur Rahman (25), Sumon Sarkar (30), Omar Faruk (25), Mizan Sheikh (28), Riazul Islam (25), Belal Molla (28), Sagari Fakir (28), Rabiul Hawlader (25), Moksed Hawlader (30), Rubel Gazi (25), Khalid Hossain (25) and Mosha Regina Khatun (25). They are residents of different districts, including Gazipur, Narsingdi, Chapainawabganj, Madaripur, Satkhira, Narail, Khulna and Bagerhat. Rights Jashore’s Psychosocial Counselor Md Mamun said that the individuals had been lured by brokers seeking employment opportunities, but once in India, they faced detention and imprisonment. With the cooperation of the Indian and Bangladeshi embassies, the Indian government issued special travel permits, allowing the Bangladeshis to return home. On Saturday morning, they were handed over to Rights Jashore, who will provide shelter and eventually reunite them with their families, said Mamun.

A Bangladeshi youth was killed by bullets  allegedly fired from the Indian side along Chinakandi border area in Bishwambharpur upazila  of Sunamganj on Wednesday. The deceased was identified Md Saidul Islam, 24, son of Joynal Abedin, a resident of Gamatola Khaspara East in Dhanpur union of the upazila. Sunamganj Battalion 28 BGB Commander AKM Zakaria Qadir said  it is still unconfirmed whether the shots were fired by BSF personnel or Indian Garos. A flag meeting has been scheduled between the Machimpur BOP and Karaigara BSF camp in India regarding the matter, he said. Caretaker’s body found in Faridpur with hands and feet tied Locals said Saidul Islam might have been killed by BSF possibly after an altercation between him and the BSF personnel while he was attempting to cross the border with betel nuts. He was rushed to Sunamganj Sadar Hospital where the attending physician Dr Shafiqur Islam  confirmed his death. The deceased had two gunshot wounds on his chest and stomach and the nature of the bullet will be determined following an autopsy, he said.

Amid tensions between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Border Security Force (BSF) of India over the construction of a barbed wire fence by BSF along the Chapainawabganj border a flag meeting was held on Wednesday between the two sides. Lt Col Golam Kibria, Commander of 59 BGB Battalion, said that the BSF started digging soil to build the fence near border pillar 177/2 S in Shibganj upazila two days back. Tension erupts between BGB and BSF over fence construction at Chouka Border As the BGB strongly protested the BSF halted their work twice in response. On Wednesday morning, when the BSF resumed their work, the BGB protested again, leading to the flag meeting. Both sides agreed that no further construction would take place without an agreement between the BGB and BSF headquarters. Lt Col Kibria reassured people  there that  was no cause for concern, as the BGB is guarding the border.

Tension has erupted between the BGB and BSF, the frontier guards of Bangladesh and India respectively, during tre last two days at the Chouka border in Chapainawabganj, centered around the construction of a barbed wire fence. However, the BGB states that the situation is now calm. According to BGB and local sources, BSF members from the Sabdalpur BSF camp of Gopalganj police station in India's Malda district began constructing a barbed wire fence along the border at border pillars 177/1S, 2S, and 3S on Sunday morning. The BGB members intervened, leading to a flag meeting between both sides in the afternoon, but no solution was reached. On Monday, when the BSF resumed the fence construction, the BGB again intervened. After this, the BSF halted the construction of the road. This has caused panic among the local population. Local Union Parishad member Kamal Uddin stated that the BSF was putting up the barbed wire fence along the zero line at around 10am on Monday when the BGB intervened. This has led to heightened tension in the area. Import of Indian goods resumes through Akhaura land port Lieutenant Colonel Golam Kibria, the commander of the 59th BGB battalion, said, “The BSF had started digging for the barbed wire fence, but after the BGB intervention, they stopped the work. The situation is now calm. Additional BGB members have been deployed at the border.” He assured that there is no reason for the general public to be afraid.

Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized arms, ammunition, drugs and other contraband items worth Tk 147.84 crore during anti-smuggling drives across the country, especially in bordering areas in the month of December. During the period, the paramilitary force seized 4.192 kgs of gold, 10.125 kgs of silver, 7,89,152 cosmetics items, 4,702 imitations jewelry, 11,523 sarees, 9,617 three-piece/shirt-piece/bed-sheet/blankets, 10,204 meter unstitched fabric, 8,387 readymade garments, 13,42,603 firecrackers, 6,781 cft timber, 6,036 kgs of tea leaves, 21,490 kgs of betel nuts, 3,95,395 kgs of sugar, 12,625 kgs of fertilizer, 1,774 packets of seeds, 80.940 kgs of coal, 520 cubic feet stones, 19,36,200 cubic feet sand, 583 mobile displays, 30,670 glasses, 46,966 kgs fruits, 1,31,463 kgs of garlic, 11,788 kg of cumin, one touchstone statue, 560 grams of venom, five trucks, six pickups, one bus, three private cars/microbuses, three trolleys, 74 boats, 31 CNG/easybikes, 72 motorcycles, 22 vans and 30 bicycles, said a BGB media release signed by its Public Relations Officer Md Shariful Islam Monday. BGB seizes smuggled goods worth Tk 225.88 cr in Oct The seized weapons consist of one pistol, one air gun, one rifle, five magazines, one mortar shell, one grenade, one rocket launcher and 14 rounds of ammunition. The seized drugs and narcotics include 2, 66, 262 pieces of Yaba tablets, 1.790 kgs of crystal meth ice, 6.267 kgs of heroin, 28,913 bottles of Phensidyl, 18,324 bottles of foreign liquor, 592 liters of Bengal liquor, 921 cans of beer, 1,093 kg of cannabis, 1, 02, 800 packets of cigarettes, 41,299 narcotic tablets/injections, 3,524 bottles of Iscaf syrup, 5.788 kgs of cocaine, 1,230 bottles of Mkdil/Cofidil, 37,11,547 different types of medicine, 77,892 Enegra/Senegra tablets, and 12 bottles of LSD, according to the release. Meanwhile, legal action has been initiated against 208 alleged smugglers, 426 Bangladeshi nationals and 18 Indian citizens for illegally crossing the border during this period. Besides, 772 Myanmar nationals have been repatriated following their detention, according to the press release.  

All the gates of the Bangladesh Secretariat, the hub of government administration, were closed on Thursday  after last night's huge fire at the building number 7. The fire that swept through the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th floors of the building was brought under control early Thursday after six hours of efforts. Fire at Bangladesh Secretariat building brought under control after six hours Nineteen units of fire service took part in the fight to tame the blaze. Army and paramilitary BGB members were deployed at the gates besides a large number of law enforcers as many office goers were seen waiting to enter their offices. Huge fire engulfs Secretariat's Building No.7 Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Housing and Public Works and Industrial Affairs Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan visited the spot.