BSF Increases Vigilance on Bangladesh Border Ahead of Republic Day Amid Tensions

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, January 23, 2025, Kolkata: With Republic Day approaching, heightened security measures are being implemented along the Bangladesh border, especially in the Northeast and West Bengal regions. The Special DG of the Border Security Force (BSF) has ordered intensive drills and heightened vigilance at all border outposts from January 23 to January 31, following growing concerns over potential provocations.

Sources suggest that the security alert is partly in response to the shifting internal situation in Bangladesh, where political tensions have risen sharply in recent months, further straining bilateral relations with India. The Eastern Command of the BSF has issued a directive for tighter border security specifically on January 26, Republic Day, amid concerns that incidents might be instigated from the other side to escalate border tensions.

The border between India and Bangladesh spans a vast 4,096 kilometers, including sensitive areas in the Northeast and West Bengal. In an evening notification, ADG and Special DG of the Eastern Command, Ravi Gandhi, instructed that security arrangements be reinforced, with repeated drills conducted at all border outposts. He emphasized the need for additional deployment of BSF personnel, particularly during the night, to ensure constant surveillance.

A key focus of the directive is on unprotected areas where no barbed wire exists. These regions, which are more vulnerable, will receive the highest level of attention over the next week. The BSF has been tasked with ensuring the security of these areas while also keeping local residents informed about the heightened security measures.

Furthermore, BSF officers are taking steps to prevent any potential traps or provocations that could worsen the situation. The Eastern Command has made it clear that this heightened vigilance will continue through the end of the month, and top BSF officials have already visited various border outpost areas to ensure compliance with the directives. The border forces are prepared for any contingency and are bracing for any challenges that may arise on the Republic Day.