To overcome obstacles in South Bengal’s border regions, the BSF braves unfavorable terrain and weather.

Significant difficulties are being faced by the Border Security Force (BSF) in South Bengal’s border regions, especially along the unfenced Sonai River, which is a portion of the India-Bangladesh boundary. Because of its challenging terrain and unfavorable weather, this area is well-known for smuggling and infiltration.

Because there is no physical fencing around the Sonai River, smugglers frequently use it. Inadequate road infrastructure makes patrolling even more difficult and encourages more illicit activity, such as the smuggling of drugs like Phensedyl and gold.

Local villagers oppose the BSF because they frequently see them as an infringement on their freedom. The force’s ability to effectively manage illicit activity may be hampered by this local animosity.

In comparison to their Bangladeshi colleagues, the BSF is greatly outnumbered, with roughly 2,400 men allocated to a 60-kilometer sector. Their capacity to efficiently monitor and secure the border is strained by this discrepancy.

According to reports, smuggling activity increases when visibility is poor, which is common in the winter, and when the river rises during the monsoon season. Several arrests for illegal immigration and smuggling were conducted in 2024 alone.

To address these issues, the BSF has stepped up its patrolling and surveillance activities. Additionally, they have discussed security cooperation and cross-border crime with the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB).

In order to promote collaboration in border security projects, efforts are being undertaken to strengthen links with nearby communities. However, the socioeconomic circumstances of the region continue to cause problems.

A prime example of the difficulties in securing an unfenced and difficult terrain while managing local dynamics is the BSF’s operations along the South Bengal border. In the face of growing smuggling and local opposition, their continuous efforts to adjust and address these complex issues are essential to preserving border security.

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