NAOGAON, June 9: Concerns are mounting among residents living along the Naogaon border as renewed tensions emerge over alleged “push-in” attempts and continued incidents of harassment along the frontier with India.
The border region has long remained in the spotlight for various reasons, including reported border killings and alleged harassment of farmers by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF). For people living beside the barbed wire fence, life is marked by uncertainty and fear.
Recently, tensions have resurfaced in the area over push-in-related issues, raising fresh anxiety among border communities. In response, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified patrols and strengthened security measures to maintain control of the situation.
Sources said Naogaon shares borders with India across nine locations, including Hapania and Kormudanga in Sapahar Upazila, Nitpur in Porsha Upazila, and Kalupara, Chokilam, Chokchondi, Bastabar, Shimultoli and Talandar in Dhamoirhat Upazila. Among these, incidents of alleged killings and harassment are more frequently reported in Hapania, Kormudanga and Nitpur border areas.
On June 5, BSF allegedly attempted to push in 17 individuals through the Kormudanga border point in Naogaon. However, they were later forced to take them back following strict vigilance by BGB.
For local residents, agriculture and livestock farming remain the only sources of livelihood. Crops grown in the fields near the border represent their year-long savings. However, farmers say they often face harassment while working in their own lands near the border.
Abdul Jalil, a resident of Kormudanga Village in Sapahar, said they have no alternative livelihood beyond farming.
“We have no work other than cultivating our land. Whenever we go to the fields, BSF personnel often chase us away. Sometimes they even cross the border and threaten us. Despite everything, we risk our lives to survive,” he said.
Another resident, Motin, recalled past incidents of violence.
“Back in 1998 or 2000, three people including my uncle were cutting wheat in our land when BSF came, chased them and later shot them dead after taking them away. We still face harassment while working. Sometimes they beat us or even shoot when we go to cut grass or graze cattle,” he claimed.
Mahbubur Rahman said panic over push-in incidents has increased.
“There is constant fear of push-ins. Attempts are being made to push people across illegally. BGB is maintaining a strict stance, but we still live in anxiety. We are also cooperating with BGB to prevent illegal push-ins,” he said.
Rashed from Nitpur Village in Porsha said locals recently formed night patrols amid tension.
“Last night around 10 pm, locals saw BSF trying to position people near the border for push-in. After the news spread, nearly 200 villagers stayed awake with sticks and flashlights and guarded the border area until midnight,” he said.
Advocate Mohsin Reza said such push-in attempts violate international law.
“There may be undocumented individuals in any country, but pushing them back without following proper international procedures is illegal,” he said.
Lieutenant Colonel Md Ariful Islam Masum, Commander of Naogaon-16 BGB, said border forces are maintaining maximum alertness.
“BGB members are performing duties with utmost vigilance and professionalism. Continuous surveillance, intelligence monitoring, uninterrupted patrols, and coordination with local administration and people are ongoing. We are also conducting awareness activities,” he said.
He added that BGB remains fully alert to prevent any form of human trafficking, illegal intrusion, or push-in attempts.
