Bangladesh crisis: BSF reviews security situation along Indo-Bangladesh border area

KOLKATA: Amid the ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh, the Border Security Force (BSF) North Bengal Frontier has reviewed security measures along the Indo-Bangladesh border.

"In light of the recent developments in Bangladesh, the North Bengal Frontier of BSF has reviewed the security situation along the Indo-Bangladesh International border, anticipating various contingencies," BSF said in a press release.

A state of high alert has been declared to address any potential security threats. Commanders at all levels have been directed to maintain utmost vigilance and readiness to handle any unforeseen circumstances. They have been instructed to keep a round-the-clock (24x7) watch on the border, with augmented manpower and the formation of quick reaction teams, the force said.

The Indo-Bangladesh international border spans 4,096 kilometres, with 936.415 kilometres under the jurisdiction of the BSF's North Bengal Frontier, stretching across five districts of West Bengal from Dakshin Dinajpur district to Coochbehar district, the BSF stated.

The North Bengal Frontier has deployed a total of 18 BSF Battalions under four BSF Sectors, all of which are now on high alert. Apart from the entire border, surveillance at all Land Custom Stations (LCS) has also been intensified, BSF added.

Manpower at border outposts (BOPs) has been increased and all surveillance equipment is being utilised to its full capacity to ensure effective monitoring of the border, the force stated.

Subunits have been instructed to maintain high vigilance and be prepared to address any adverse situation promptly. Intelligence operations have been enhanced to provide real-time information, ensuring any emerging threats are swiftly identified and neutralised, BSF said.

Troops of under-command Battalions of the North Bengal Frontier BSF deployed on the Indo-Bangladesh border under the dynamic leadership of Shri Soorya Kant Sharma, Inspector General of North Bengal Frontier BSF, are maintaining the highest order of alertness on the border to thwart any attempts by anti-national elements to execute their nefarious designs of smuggling, infiltration, and exfiltration, BSF added.

Bangladesh is facing a fluid political situation, with Sheikh Hasina tendering her resignation from her post in the wake of mounting protests on August 5. The protests, led mainly by students demanding an end to the quota system for government jobs, evolved into anti-government demonstrations.

A day after Sheikh Hasina resigned as Prime Minister of Bangladesh and left the country, President Mohammed Shahabuddin announced the dissolution of the country's parliament to make way for the formation of an interim administration, Dhaka Tribune reported.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as the head of Bangladesh's interim government, Dhaka Tribune reported. Bangladesh President's Press Secretary, Joynal Abedin, made the announcement.

The decision regarding the appointment of Bangladesh's interim government head was made during a meeting between President Shahabuddin and the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

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