In wake of the recent political upheaval in Bangladesh following the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Border Security Force (BSF) is ramping up efforts to secure the India-Bangladesh border.
The Border Security Force (BSF) is ramping up efforts to secure the India-Bangladesh border. To gain local support for enhanced security measures and combat illegal activities, the BSF is conducting “village coordination meetings” in border communities.
Tasked with safeguarding the 4,096-kilometer India-Bangladesh border, the BSF has initiated these meetings with Panchayat leaders and residents in border villages of West Bengal’s Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts.
“BSF Company Commanders discussed the current situation in Bangladesh and emphasised the need for villagers’ cooperation in maintaining security and preventing illegal activities,” said the BSF in a statement. Officers briefed attendees on the current situation in Bangladesh and stressed the importance of civilian cooperation in maintaining border security.
Key topics discussed included the implementation of Section 144 of the CrPC during night hours along the border, restrictions on civilian movement on border embankments, and the prohibition of night fishing in border areas. BSF officials explained how local residents could contribute to border security by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities.
AK Arya, Deputy Inspector General and Public Relations Officer for BSF South Bengal Frontier, emphasized that these meetings are part of ongoing efforts to build trust and cooperation with border residents.
“These meetings by the 68th, 05th, 85th and 102th Battalions of the BSF reflect their continuous efforts to win the hearts and minds of the border residents, thereby promoting mutual trust and cooperation for national security and community welfare,” Arya said.
He also informed that the BSF has increased security along the border and, in addition to guarding it, is raising awareness among border villagers about the current situation in Bangladesh.
“The BSF is actively engaging with the residents of these border villages to enhance cooperation with them,” added the officer.
(Inputs from ANI)