Bangladesh political crisis: BSF issues high alert on border, steps up troop deployment

Chaudhary, who is the DG of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), was given additional charge of the BSF last week till the appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders, after then BSF DG Nitin Agrawal was repatriated to his state cadre.

“In view of the changed situation in Bangladesh, the BSF has issued alert all along Indo-Bangladesh border and the number of troops deployed along the border has been increased,” the spokesperson said.

“All the field commanders have been directed to be on ground and deploy all personnel on border duty immediately… Their leaves have been cancelled and they have been asked to not to allow entry anyone without valid documents,” a senior officer said.

According to a statement issued by the BSF, Chaudhary was first briefed on the “strategic scenario and operations” of the Eastern Command. He then went to Dhamakhali, in North 24 Parganas, where the commandant briefed him on the battalion’s water border responsibilities. He also visited an outpost in the Sundarbans.

West Bengal shares a total of 2,217 kilometres of its border with Bangladesh, along with Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Assam (262 km) and Mizoram (318 km). “The visit of the BSF DG highlights the dedication and vigilance of the BSF in safeguarding India’s borders, ensuring peace and security in the region. The ongoing efforts of the BSF in the Sundarbans and North 24 Parganas are vital in preventing international crimes and maintaining the sovereignty of the nation,” the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, the Meghalaya government imposed night curfew in areas along its 445-km long international border with Bangladesh as a “proactive move” to “protect the interests of the state and the nation”.

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