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The Border Security Force (BSF) has put the entire 4,096 km Bangladesh-India border on high alert in response to recent major political developments in Bangladesh. This decision comes in the wake of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepping down and the country’s army, led by Waker-Uz-Zaman, forming an interim government. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is closely monitoring the situation, and the acting Director General of BSF, Daljit Chawdhary, has reached Kolkata to review border security measures.
The BSF has been instructed to keep a close watch on any unauthorized entry from Bangladesh and prevent smugglers and terrorists from exploiting the situation. Currently, there are 1,096 Border Out-Posts (BOPs) of the BSF along the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) across West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. These regions present challenging terrain, including hills, rivers, and valleys, making vigilant border security crucial.
The MHA’s involvement underscores the seriousness of the situation, ensuring that all necessary measures are in place to maintain security and stability along the border. BSF personnel have been directed to increase patrolling and surveillance to address any potential threats. The force’s deployment includes advanced surveillance equipment and additional personnel to ensure comprehensive monitoring of the border areas.
The situation in Bangladesh has escalated with fierce clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters, resulting in over 100 deaths. The unrest began with student protests over a contentious job quota system but has since expanded into broader anti-government demonstrations. This turmoil has raised concerns about the potential for increased cross-border movement and illegal activities.
BSF’s proactive measures aim to mitigate any adverse impacts of the political instability in Bangladesh on India’s security. The agency’s preparedness is crucial in preventing any spillover effects and maintaining peace and order along the border regions. The collaboration between BSF and MHA highlights the coordinated effort to address the evolving security challenges effectively.