BSF Heightens Security along Indo-Bangladesh Border Amid Bangladesh Crisis

The Border Security Force (BSF) is on high alert along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Assam due to the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh. The Integrated Check Post has been closed, halting both trade and civilian movement. The Ministry of Home Affairs has established a committee to monitor the situation.

The Border Security Force (BSF) is on heightened alert along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Assam in response to the escalating crisis in Bangladesh. District Commissioner Mridul Yadav announced that the Integrated Check Post (ICP) has been closed since Monday, affecting both import-export activities and the movement of individuals.

According to Yadav, "We are on high alert and are ensuring that no incident of violence takes place. An army company is camping with the BSF to provide additional security. Since last week, no Indian student or citizen has crossed over to this side." Assam's four districts—Cachar, Karimganj, Dhubri, and South Salmara—share borders with Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a committee led by the Additional Director General (ADG) of the BSF Eastern Command to monitor the border situation. This five-member committee includes senior officials from BSF's South Bengal and Tripura frontiers, as well as members from the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI). According to an August 9 letter from Under Secretary Smitha Viju, the committee will maintain communication channels with their counterparts in Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Indian citizens and minority communities.

Bangladesh is currently grappling with political upheaval following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation on August 5 amid widespread protests. The unrest began in July over demands to reform a quota system for civil service jobs, reserved for specific groups, including the descendants of 1971 war veterans. Violence has since escalated, targeting state television headquarters and police booths in Dhaka.

(With inputs from agencies.)