Security beefed up in Lalmonirhat, Kurigram's  borders 

 
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has strengthened security in unfenced border areas in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram districts.

The BGB sources said BGB forces have been placed on maximum alert in order to prevent illegal infiltration, smuggling and other subversive activities. 

And special emphasis has been given on the areas without barbed-wire fencing, which officials consider more vulnerable, with increased patrols and intelligence surveillance.

According to the BGB sources, Lalmonirhat shares about 360.11 kilometres of border with India, of which about 74.66km remain unfenced. And Kurigram shares a 198km border, with nearly 30km still without fencing. In total, at least 105km of border in these two districts remain un-fenced. 

BGB and locals said riverine areas, chars, croplands and remote terrain are mostly vulnerable to infiltration and smuggling because of fencing difficulty. 

Lieutenant Colonel Mehedi Imam, the Lalmonirhat 15 BGB Battalion Commanding Officer, said the BGB soldiers remain alert at all times and now performing duties with utmost caution. The smuggling has comedown for the enhanced vigilance.

Kurigram 22 BGB Battalion's Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Mahbub-Ul-Haque said the BGB is working under a 'zero tolerance' policy to prevent smuggling and illegal infiltration, with the members actively ensuring the border security.

Our Lalmonirhat Correspondent adds: A Bangladeshi man has been killed by gunfire from India's Border Security Force (BSF) along the Hatibandha border in Lalmonirhat.

The shooting took place around 2am on Thursday near the Bonchowki BOP area of the Amjhol border, said Lt Col Mehdi Imam, commanding officer of Lalmonirhat 15 BGB Battalion. The deceased was identified as Md Khademul, 25, from Uttar Amjhol village.

According to the BGB, local Bangladeshis were present around 150 yards inside Indian territory near border pillar 905/6-S when a patrol team from India's 78 BSF Battalion's Paglamari camp fired shotgun pellets at them during a late-night operation.