BSF Member Detained by BGB Over Border Intrusion

A member of Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has been detained by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on charges of intruding into Bangladesh by crossing Angarpota border in Patgram upazela of Lalmonirhat. Today Sunday (21 December) around 4:30 am, he was detained from Dangapara area of the border.

BGB and local sources said a patrol team from Arjun Camp of Cooch Behar-174 BSF Battalion of West Bengal was chasing Indian cattle smugglers in the responsible border area of Angarpota BOP under Rangpur-51 BGB Battalion in Patgram upazela near border pillar DAMP 1/7 S. At that time, Constable Bed Prakash (body number 213600178) of that camp crossed the zero line and entered about 50 to 200 yards inside Bangladesh.

Noticing the matter, a BGB patrol team on duty at Angarpota BOP detained him around 5:30 am and brought him to the camp. Later, search recovered one shotgun, two rounds of ammunition, one wireless set and one Android mobile phone from the detained BSF member.

Confirming the truth of the incident, Dahagram outpost in-charge Tajirul Islam said primarily it is learnt that due to dense fog, the BSF member unintentionally entered inside Bangladesh while chasing cattle smuggler. After detaining him, the matter has been informed to higher authorities and communication is ongoing between border guards of both countries.

Confirming the truth of the incident, Angarpota BGB Camp Commander Nayek Subedar Md. Rafiquzzaman said communication has been made with BSF authorities regarding the matter. The detained BSF member is at BGB camp. He will be handed over through flag meeting.

Director of Rangpur-51 BGB Battalion Lt Col Selim Al Din said discussions have been held at BGB and BSF battalion commander level regarding the incident. He said as per rules, process is underway to return the detained BSF member through flag meeting in Tinbigha corridor area.

A responsible BGB source said immediately after detaining the BSF member, telephone communication took place between both sides and a flag meeting has been called at local level. Although temporary tension prevailed in the border area after the incident, the situation is under control.

BGB said in case of any kind of intrusion or border violation at the border, necessary measures are taken following international rules and protocols. The same process is being followed in the current incident and the matter will be settled through coordination between border guards of both countries.