Border Vigil Intensifies in Jhenaidah

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified surveillance and patrol operations along the Maheshpur frontier in Jhenaidah to prevent alleged push-in attempts by India’s Border Security Force (BSF). According to BGB officials, five separate attempts to push people into Bangladesh through the border have been thwarted over the past seven days through heightened vigilance, coordinated patrols and the involvement of local residents.

BGB authorities stated that efforts to illegally send individuals into Bangladesh have continued, but no push-in incident has been successful along the Maheshpur border so far due to strict monitoring and rapid response measures.

According to BGB sources, Maheshpur Upazila, which falls under the jurisdiction of the 58 BGB Battalion, contains 12 Border Observation Posts (BOPs). Among them, the Jadabpur, Samanta, Matila and Baghadanga sectors, along with at least one other location, have been identified as particularly vulnerable to push-in attempts. Security patrols and observation activities have therefore been strengthened in these areas.

Maheshpur shares a 78-kilometre border with India. While approximately 68 kilometres of this stretch are protected by barbed-wire fencing, nearly 10 kilometres near the Jadabpur and Matila BOP areas remain unfenced. BGB considers these sections more susceptible to unauthorised cross-border movement. Across the border lie Banshkhali Police Station in India’s Nadia district and Bagda Police Station in North 24 Parganas district.

Border Overview

Residents of border villages have also become actively involved in monitoring activities. Harun Or Rashid, a resident of Gopalpur village, said that local people observed BSF personnel bringing groups of individuals in large vehicles to areas near the border fence. He alleged that attempts were later made at night to push those individuals into Bangladesh after lights near the fencing were switched off and gates were opened. According to him, these efforts were unsuccessful because of the combined vigilance of local residents and BGB personnel.

He further stated that similar attempts had also been made during daylight hours and were resisted with the support of villagers.

During a visit on Thursday to the Jadabpur, Samanta, Matila, Baghadanga, Kusumpur and Srinathpur BOP areas, BGB patrols were seen operating with increased frequency. Personnel were carrying loudhailers and whistles while conducting patrol duties. A visible security presence was observed, particularly along the Gopalpur border in Natima Union and the Samanta and Matila sectors of Kajirber Union. Patrol responsibilities were reportedly maintained continuously through shift-based deployment, with one team taking over while another paused for meals or rest.

Nazrul Islam, a resident of Jadabpur village, said that local people immediately inform BGB whenever they notice signs of a possible push-in attempt. He added that villagers have been staying awake at night to assist in guarding the border and that the community remains united. However, he acknowledged that some concern persists among residents over the possibility of unforeseen incidents.

Lieutenant Colonel Md Rafiqul Alam, Commanding Officer of the 58 BGB Battalion, said that BSF had not succeeded in any of the reported push-in attempts within his battalion’s area of responsibility. He stated that five attempts had been made through different points along the border, but BGB personnel remained on constant alert and continued uninterrupted surveillance and patrol operations.

He also noted that residents of border communities, along with members of the Ansar force and village police, have been assisting BGB personnel during patrols and providing information when required. According to the battalion commander, BGB remains committed to protecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty and securing the border through continued vigilance and coordinated action.