BSF yet to remove barbed wire fence on Joypurhat border
Published: 23 January 2025, 05:29 PM
Despite assurances during a flag meeting, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has not removed the barbed wire fence and bamboo poles erected near the Panchbibi border in Joypurhat for three days. However, the situation has remained calm as of Thursday (January 23) afternoon.
According to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at Hatkhola BOP and local sources, BSF began constructing a bamboo pole and single barbed wire fence just 20 yards inside Indian territory at the East Unchna Ghonapara border on Tuesday morning. Residents working near the border noticed the construction and reported it to the BGB.
BGB members arrived at the site around 9:30 a.m., halting the construction. Although BSF members initially left without responding to BGB’s invitation to a flag meeting, they later agreed to a meeting after a formal letter was sent.
Flag meeting held at zero line
A flag meeting was held on Tuesday afternoon from 3:30 pm to 4:00pm at the zero line of the main pillar number 281. Shah Jahan, the Company Commander of Hatkhola BOP, stated that the construction violated international border laws. “The BSF was working just 20 yards from the border and had already installed bamboo poles and barbed wire in some areas. We stopped the construction, and the BSF assured us they would remove the structures,” he said.
Residents report violations
Local residents reported that the BSF had completed about 25 yards of fencing within the restricted area, violating border regulations. On Wednesday, they observed the barbed wire fence and bamboo poles near sub-pillars 33-34 and 35 of the main pillar. However, no further construction was seen that day.
Current situation
When contacted, Shah Jahan confirmed that the BSF has not removed the fencing and bamboo poles but has refrained from any new activities. “The border situation remains peaceful,” he added.
On Wednesday, Lt Col Nahid Newaz, Commander of the 20 BGB, visited the site and confirmed that the situation along the border is currently stable. Authorities are closely monitoring the area to ensure compliance with border agreements.
