BGB steps up security along 558km borders in Lalmonirhat, Kurigram

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has strengthened security along 558km of the border in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram districts, confirmed Lalmonirhat 15 BGB Battalion Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Mehedi Imam and Kurigram 22 BGB Battalion Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Mahbub-Ul-Haque.

They said BGB personnel have been placed on maximum alert to prevent illegal infiltration, smuggling and other subversive activities. Special emphasis has been placed on areas without barbed-wire fencing, which officials consider more vulnerable, with increased patrols and intelligence surveillance.

According to BGB sources, Lalmonirhat shares around 360.11km of border with India, of which about 74.66km remain unfenced. Kurigram shares a 198km border, with nearly 30km still without fencing. In total, at least 105km of border in the two districts remain without barbed-wire fencing.

BGB personnel and local residents say riverine areas, chars, croplands and remote terrain are particularly vulnerable to infiltration and smuggling due to the difficulty of fencing. The BGB says it has, therefore, increased vigilance in these areas.

The BGB said they were conducting patrols round the clock from all Border Out Posts (BOPs) along the border. Intelligence surveillance has also been intensified, with strict monitoring of suspicious individuals, vehicles and movements. Information gathering and public awareness activities are also continuing with the help of local representatives, village police and residents.

A BGB member stationed at the Dahagram border in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “We are patrolling the border areas day and night. We are maintaining maximum alertness to prevent any kind of illegal infiltration or smuggling.”

Local residents said attempts to smuggle cattle, drugs and other goods are frequent, often under cover of darkness, and called for stronger surveillance.

Naher Ali, 65, a farmer from the Dahagram border area, said: “Following the elections in West Bengal, India, increased vigilance is being noticed along the border. There is always a sense of fear in border areas, but regular patrols by BGB provide some relief.”

Lieutenant Colonel Mehedi Imam said BGB personnel remained alert at all times and were performing duties with utmost caution, adding that smuggling had decreased due to increased vigilance.

Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Mahbub-Ul-Haque said BGB was working under a “zero tolerance” policy to prevent smuggling and illegal infiltration, with personnel actively ensuring border security.