Sabbir Hossain, Hatibandha (Lalmonirhat)

A tense situation was prevailed at the Bangladesh-India border in Lalmonirhat’s Patgram Upazila on Monday after Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel attempted to build an unauthorized barbed-wire fence. Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) officials intervened, leading to heated arguments between the two sides.

The incident began in the morning near Dahagram-Sardarpara village, close to border pillar 42/48. BSF members from West Bengal’s 6th Battalion (Arun Camp) reportedly started installing iron poles and barbed wire, violating international border laws. Upon receiving alerts, BGB personnel arrived and demanded an immediate halt to the construction. However, BSF refused to withdraw, escalating tensions.

Local sources claim BSF has repeatedly tried to build structures beyond the agreed border line in the area, but previous attempts were blocked by BGB’s strict stance. This time, BSF brought heavy machinery, prompting protests from residents.

BGB officials stated that border rules require mutual consent for any construction. “BSF’s unilateral move is illegal. We will address this diplomatically,” a BGB source said.

The clash disrupted daily life in Dahagram, with locals expressing fear over recurring border issues. “BSF often creates tension here. We urge our government and global bodies to step in,” a resident said.

A joint team from both forces visited the site, but the situation remains unresolved, leaving the area in unease.