India -Pak war : BGB, BSF gear up security in northern border areas
Sabbir Hossain, Hatibandha, (Lalmonirhat)
The recent tension between India and Pakistan has created fear in border areas of northern Bangladesh. People of Lalmonirhat, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon are facing problems due to increased security by both Bangladeshi and Indian border forces.
Security has been tightened with more patrols by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF). This is causing trouble for local people in their daily lives — especially farmers and traders.
Abdur Rahim, a farmer from Patgram in Lalmonirhat, said, “There are so many sensors now that we feel scared even going to work on our farms.”
Because of the tight security, farm workers are finding it hard to reach fields and move crops. Traders are also worried that trade between India and Bangladesh might stop again, like it did during past tensions in 2019. Rafiqul Islam, a trader who exports spices and farm products from Shuklabari land port, said, “If trade stops again, we will suffer a lot.”
Even though most border disputes were solved after the exchange of enclaves in 2015, some areas like Dahagram-Angorpota still face travel issues. Local people say they waste a lot of time at border checkpoints when going to school or hospital.
Dr. Nigel Green, a political analyst, said, “War in South Asia won’t just affect borders – it will hurt global trade and markets too.”
Border communities in Bangladesh are hoping for peace. “We want peace,” said local traders in Lalmonirhat. “More tension means harder lives for us.”
Although border forces and local authorities are trying to control the situation, experts say Bangladesh may need help from other countries if the crisis gets worse.
Tension between India and Pakistan is causing fear in border areas of northern Bangladesh. Places like Lalmonirhat, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon are facing problems due to tighter security by both countries’ border forces.
More patrols and sensors have made life hard for local people. Farmers say they are scared to go to their fields. Traders worry that business with India might stop again, just like it did in 2019.
Some areas still face travel problems even after the 2015 border agreement. People waste time at checkpoints when going to school or hospital.
Experts warn that if the tension grows, prices may rise, fuel may run short, and less money will come into the country.
Border people want peace. “We want peace,” said traders. “More tension means harder lives.”
Though the situation is under control now, experts say Bangladesh may need help from other nations if the crisis gets worse.
