Patgram: A battalion commander-level flag meeting was held between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India's Border Security Force (BSF) following tension over an alleged attempt by BSF to erect fencing near the zero line at the Dahagram Tin Bigha Corridor border in Patgram upazila. The meeting occurred inside Indian territory from 11am to 12:25pm on Saturday near International Border Pillar 812 under the Panbari BOP of the 51 BGB Rangpur Battalion.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Lieutenant Colonel Naziur Rahman, commander of the 51 BGB Rangpur Battalion, led the Bangladesh side, while BSF's 174 Battalion Commander Vinod Kumar represented India. During the meeting, BGB strongly objected to the reported initiative to install bamboo poles and fencing within 50 yards of the zero line, citing violations of border regulations.
In response to the BGB's objections, the BSF commander explained that the activities were part of a land measurement process related to land acquisition on the Indian side of the border. He also alleged that some Bangladeshi farmers had harvested crops from Indian territory. The BGB commander expressed regret over this allegation and assured that measures would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Lieutenant Colonel Naziur Rahman clarified that Bangladesh had no objection to land acquisition within Indian territory but emphasized that no permanent structures or fences should be built within 150 yards of the zero line according to international rules. Regarding alleged push-ins, the BGB commander stated that no such incidents had occurred and stressed that any detained Bangladeshi citizens in India should be returned through legal procedures and flag meetings.
The BSF commander assured that no permanent structures would be erected within the restricted border area and that no push-ins would occur in the future. Both sides also highlighted the importance of increasing communication between Border Outposts (BOPs) and company commanders to resolve border-related issues swiftly and peacefully.
The meeting concluded on a cordial note, and officials reported that the border situation is currently normal. Tension had previously escalated in the area on Friday after BSF personnel and Indian workers reportedly began installing measuring rods and bamboo poles within 10 to 20 yards of the zero line, prompting BGB members to intervene and halt the work.