BDR, BSF intensify border patrol

The step has been taken against the backdrop of activities by Islamist militants and a government drive in the country to nab them, according to BDR sources.

Our Nilphamari Correspondent reports: Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) is on 'high alert' along the 51-kilometer border in Nilphamari district to prevent smuggling of explosives allegedly from across the border and cross-border movement of criminals and militants.

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On the other side, Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has also tightened security and reinforced its strength, the sources said.

BSF personnel are on round the clock patrol, using searchlights from observation towers, the sources said.

Locals in the border area said the intensified border patrol by BDR and BSF has created a tense situation along the border.

The sources said the Indian government has decided to increase the number of outposts along Bangladesh to 1200 from present 500. There will be one outpost after every three kilometres, and the outposts will be reinforced with more BSF personnel.

When contacted, Maj. Shafique of BDR said, "Everything has been done to ensure security and our forces are on alert".

Our B'baria Correspondent reports: The 73-kilometre border along Brahmanbaria and parts of Habiganj district has been 'sealed' by BDR, sources in BDR said.

BDR has intensified border patrol to prevent cross-border movement of criminals and smuggling.

BDR has also set up three new check posts at Chandura, Gangasagar and Imambari in Brahmanbaria as part of security measures.

All trucks and suspected people moving within five kilometres of the border from the 'zero line' are being checked, the sources said.

There are several spots on the 73-km border where India could not erect barbed wire fencing. These gaps are under intensive patrol, they said.

BDR sources said joint BDR-BSF patrol is continuing as per a decision of a flag meeting held on December 15 in Akhaura border. Alongside, BSF has intensified patrol on the Indian side and reinforced their strength at several outposts, they said.

Lt. Col Sayed Qumruzzan, Commanding Officer (CO) of BDR-1 Battalion told this correspondent that the three new check posts have been set up to ensure a security so that Islamist militants can not cross the border.

The flag meeting also decided to stop smuggling and other cross-border crimes and 'unauthorised' erection of barbed wire fencing by BSF.

"The border in the district is peaceful", he said.