BSF stops unlawful construction by Bangladesh nationals along border

In a span of three days, the Border Security Force (BSF) has successfully prevented two instances of illegal construction by Bangladesh nationals along the North Bengal and Bihar sectors.

On Saturday, a BSF patrolling team detected fortification work along the embankment of the Kulik river in the Kishanganj sector. The construction, located within 150 yards of the Zero Line, was reportedly carried out by Bangladeshi nationals during night time.

The BSF promptly raised the issue with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) during a flag meeting, leading to an immediate halt to the work. Sources confirmed that the BGB assured no such activities would be repeated in the future.

According to the Joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines, defence-related and other constructions are prohibited within 150 yards of the international boundary. However, there has been a recent surge in illegal construction attempts by Bangladesh nationals.

A similar incident occurred on January 31 in the Mekhliganj sector of Cooch Behar, where construction was detected within 150 yards of the international border.

Earlier, the BGB had been forced to stop the construction of a sentry post bunker in the Dahgram Angarpota area following strong objections from the BSF. Additionally, an illegal house being built within the prohibited zone in Phulkadabari, Mekhliganj, was also halted after BSF intervention.

Last week, Bangladesh nationals attempted to construct two illegal houses within 150 yards of the border in the Jhikabari area of Kuchlibari, Cooch Behar. The BGB stopped the work after the BSF objected to it.