BSF enters BD, clashes with farmers in Lalmonirhat

 
LALMONIRHAT, Oct 25: Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel allegedly crossed into Bangladesh and assaulted local farmers at the Burimari border in Lalmonirhat’s Patgram upazila on Saturday evening, prompting the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to lodge a strong protest.

The incident took place around 7:30pm near border pillar 837/4S in the Bamandal area of Burimari union, according to local farmers.

The farmers said they were preparing to return home after working in their fields when several BSF personnel allegedly crossed the zero line and ordered them to leave. An argument broke out, and the personnel allegedly attacked the farmers with sticks.

The farmers then banded together and chased the BSF members with sticks, prompting the latter to detonate sound grenades and fire several blank rounds before retreating into Indian territory, according to the farmers.

Lt Colonel Shahinul Islam, commander of the BGB’s 51st Battalion in Lalmonirhat, said the force immediately lodged a strong protest and requested a flag meeting with the BSF.