BGB stops BSF bid to install cement posts near Patgram border
Members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB)
prevented India's Border Security Force (BSF) from installing cement boundary
posts near the Patgram border in Lalmonirhat, prompting the BSF to retreat,
officials said on Tuesday.
The incident took place yesterday afternoon (20
July) in the Poyshottibari border area under Sreerampur Union of Patgram
upazila, between Border Pillars 845/1-S and 845/2-S, within the jurisdiction of
Poyshottibari Border Outpost (BOP) under the 61 BGB Battalion.
Assistant Director of the 61 BGB Battalion
Karimul Islam confirmed the incident in a press release issued today (21 July).
According to BGB and local sources, members of
the BSF's Panishala-1 Camp of the 98 Battalion, assisted by Indian nationals,
removed previously installed bamboo posts in the Panishala area of Harikamata
village under Mekhliganj Police Station in Cooch Behar district, about 100
metres inside Indian territory from the zero line.
They then began installing new cement posts
measuring around three to four feet in height.
On receiving the information, a BGB patrol team
rushed to the spot and objected to the installation, after which the BSF
personnel withdrew from the area.
Legally, any construction that either side
engages in within 150 metres of either side of the zero line must be preceded
by mutual consultations.
BGB said it has intensified patrols and remains
on maximum alert along the border following the incident.
