BSF Heightens Security Amid Bangladesh Unrest

In response to unrest in Bangladesh, the BSF Meghalaya Frontier has ramped up security along the 444 km international border. Extensive operations aim to prevent illegal activities, with senior officers and commandants in mission mode. Restrictions and vigilance have been heightened, ensuring the safety of both nations.

Amid the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, the BSF Meghalaya Frontier, responsible for a 444 km stretch of the international border with Bangladesh, has intensified security measures to ensure effective border control and management, according to an official BSF press release. Extensive operations are in progress along the entire border to curb illegal entry and smuggling activities.

Inspector General BSF Meghalaya Harbax Singh Dhillon revealed that troops and field commanders are fully informed and vigilant regarding the current developments. The situation at the international border is being closely monitored to address any unforeseen scenarios. Senior officers and commandants have been stationed at the border and are under orders to stay in mission mode.

All land customs stations and integrated checkposts on the Meghalaya International Border are on high alert, with civilian movement restricted along the Indo-Bangladesh border. The Meghalaya state government has also imposed a night curfew along the entire International Border. Enhanced vigilance by the civil administration, local police, and BSF instructions for villagers to remain extra alert, are in place.

In the midst of the political unrest in Bangladesh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reported that approximately 19,000 Indian nationals, including about 9,000 students, are present in the country. He assured that measures are in place to ensure their safety, with the majority of students having already returned to India in July.

Jaishankar stated, "We are in constant communication with the Indian community in Bangladesh via our diplomatic missions. Approximately 19,000 Indian nationals are present, including about 9,000 students, most of whom returned in July." He also noted that Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina requested urgent approval to visit India and arrived in Delhi on Monday evening after a request for flight clearance was received from Bangladeshi authorities.

On August 5, demonstrators gathered in Dhaka despite the curfew. Following a security meeting, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina appeared to decide to resign and sought immediate permission to visit India. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar also highlighted that the government is closely monitoring the situation concerning minority communities in Bangladesh.

He emphasized that the relationship between India and Bangladesh remains exceptionally close. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)