The Border Security Force (BSF) has categorically denied recent media claims that the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has seized control of a 5-kilometer section of Indian land along the international border. The BSF dismissed these accusations as “baseless and irresponsible,” claiming that “not an inch” of Indian territory has been or would be captured by Bangladesh.
In a statement made on January 7, 2025, the BSF confirmed that the land in question is in Ranghat village, North 24 Parganas district, and that the International Boundary (IB) is well-defined by reference pillars along the Kodaliya River. The BSF maintained that both Indian and Bangladeshi soldiers continue to operate on their respective sides of the border, with no changes in their duties over
The BSF has dismissed the charges as “baseless and irresponsible,” claiming that “not a single inch” of Indian land has been encroached on by Bangladesh. They emphasise that both forces manage their separate territories in accordance with established standards from 1975, which define the International Boundary.
The BSF confirmed that the land in question is in Ranghat village, North 24 Parganas district, and is clearly marked by reference pillars along the Kodaliya River, which acts as a natural border. They asserted that the status of the boundary and their operational tasks had not changed in decades.
The BSF expressly denied accusations that the BGB has begun 24-hour patrols with motorised boats and all-terrain vehicles beginning December 19, calling the stories as fabrications. They maintained that both the BSF and the BGB operate inside their assigned riverside zones.
Acknowledging that the area is unfenced and vulnerable to illegal activities, the BSF highlighted that they have implemented stringent measures which have significantly reduced incidents of smuggling and infiltration attempts, asserting that such attempts have dropped to negligible levels.
The controversy arose from claims made by a newly appointed commanding officer of the BGB, Lt Col Rafique Islam, who suggested that Bangladesh had begun 24-hour patrols in the area using motorized boats and all-terrain vehicles since December 19. The BSF refuted these assertions, stating that they are part of a misinformation campaign and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and security along the border.
