BGB reclaims 5-km border stretch from India

A press release issued by Moheshpur BGB Battalion-58 detailed the initiative on Monday.

The reclamation was achieved following a thorough verification process by the battalion which utilized official documents, maps, and input from the local administration to confirm the river�s rightful ownership. 

On December 19, 2024, BGB personnel initiated 24-hour patrols using motorized boats and all-terrain vehicles to establish control over the river. These efforts culminated on December 20, 2024, when the area was restored for local use. Residents resumed fishing, farming, and other daily activities along the riverbanks, while illegal movements by Indian nationals reportedly diminished significantly.  

In a community meeting held on January 6, 2025, the commanding officer of the Moheshpur Battalion expressed gratitude to local residents for their cooperation. He urged them to educate future generations about the area's sovereignty and assured continued support from the BGB for irrigation and cultivation activities.  

This section of the Kodala River, situated near Matila along the Bangladesh-India border, has been a contentious area for decades. Historical records, including the Bangladesh-India map (Steep Map Sheet No. 51) adopted in 1961, confirm that the 4.80-kilometre stretch lies entirely within Bangladesh's territory.  

Following Bangladesh�s independence, local residents relocated from the area, which allowed the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) to assert control over parts of the river. This encroachment led to disputes and occasional confrontations between the BSF, local residents, and the BGB.  

The BGB's successful mission not only reaffirms Bangladesh�s territorial rights but also underscores its commitment to protecting the nation�s borders and ensuring the well-being of its citizens. The Kodala River reclamation stands as a testament to the BGB�s dedication to sovereignty and border security.