United News of Bangladesh

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.

Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Wednesday arrested 44 people including eight Bangladeshis from different bordering areas in Roumari and Bhurangamari upazilas of Kurigram district early Wednesday.Lutfur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Roumari Police Station, said 30 people were pushed into Bangladesh from India through various border points in Roumari upazila and it is believed that 22 of them were Rohingya.However, BGB is verifying the identities of those detained. BGB-BSF flag meeting held to exchange detained citizens near border in DinajpurLocal people found them roaming in different areas of the bordering areas and informed the BGB.Commanding officer of BGB-22, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Mahbub Ul Haque, said 14 people including eight women and children were arrested from Bhawalkuri border in Bhurungamari upazila of the district.All of them were Rohingyas, he said.The identities of the remaining individuals are being verified, said BGB.

Cattle markets in Kurigram border area are seeing increased trade of illegally imported cows and buffaloes from India. These cattle are being smuggled in via the transboundary rivers shared by the two nations taking advantage of floods.

Members  of Indian Border Security Force (BSF) picked a Bangladeshi national up from Khetarchar frontier area in Roumari upazila on Friday night.   Locals said the BSF troops chased a group of 15 Bangladeshis cattle traders when they got close to pillar No. 1056 at night and dragged away Ismail Hossain alias Kalu, son of Belal Hossain of Chargram in Datbhanga upazila.   “We've tried to contact BSF to discuss it , but couldn’t reach them yet,” said Lt Col SM Azad, commanding officer of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) battalion-35.  

A Bangladeshi youth was picked up by the members of Indian Border Security Force from Khalishakothal bordering area of Fulbari upazila on Wednesday night.

Kurigram, Aug 29 (UNB)- Members of Indian Border Security Force (BSF) picked up a Bangladeshi cattle trader from Anantapur border in Fulbari upazila here early Thursday.