Tension flares in Kurigram border as BSF road work near zero line triggers protests

Tension erupted along the Bangladesh-India border after India's Border Security Force (BSF) began road construction work near the zero line at Khalishakotal border in Phulbari upazila of Kurigram. The construction of the Kurshahat-Dinhata paved road in India's Cooch Behar district, located approximately 100 to 120 yards from border pillar number 934, sparked protests from local residents and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

According to local sources, tension broke out in the border area on Thursday noon, prompting a flag meeting between the BGB and the BSF. Although the situation calmed temporarily after the meeting, tension spread again in the border area later in the afternoon. At that time, local residents gathered in the border area carrying machetes, axes, spades, sickles and wooden sticks, and stood alongside BGB members. As tension escalated, another flag meeting was held between the two forces on Thursday evening.

Things heated up this morning as people again gathered in the border area before BGB members brought the situation under control. A peaceful discussion was held between the two forces near the zero line.

According to BGB, the road construction violates international border laws, which prohibit any permanent or temporary structure within 150 yards of the zero line.

"On Friday morning, we held a peaceful discussion with the BSF at the zero line. For now, they have stopped the road construction work. We are maintaining maximum alert in the border area," said Nayek Subedar Abu Taher, commander of the Balarhat BGB camp.

Lt Col Mehedi Imam, commanding officer of Lalmonirhat 15 BGB Battalion, visited the site this noon and urged everyone to remain calm. "Local people have been requested to remain calm. The situation is now under control. A flag meeting at the battalion commander level will be held on January 13, after which a final decision will be taken," he said.

Following strong protests during flag meetings, the BSF has temporarily suspended the construction work.