Border Tension in Sribhumi After Alleged Bangladeshi Encroachment; BSF-BGB Resolve Dispute

A minor border skirmish between India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and Bangladeshi locals along the Sylhet–Sribhumi stretch of the India–Bangladesh border went viral on social media on Sunday (November 2), sparking widespread debate on both sides of the border.

Initial reports from Bangladeshi media claimed that “Farmers Obstructed at Zakiganj Border in Sylhet; BSF Retreats Following Protest by BGB and Locals.” However, official BSF sources have clarified that the incident actually took place within Indian territory near the Harinagar area of Bhanga in Sribhumi district.

According to BSF sources, the land in question had long been submerged, leading to confusion about the location of the border pillar post. When the water receded, BSF personnel attempted to reclaim the area, which was allegedly being used by Bangladeshi farmers for cultivation. During the process, the jawans were met with resistance and hostility from across the border.

A video of the confrontation, reportedly filmed from the Bangladeshi side in the Rasulpur border area under Manikpur Union of Zakiganj upazila (Bangladesh), shows four BSF personnel standing near the riverbank and removing bamboo poles. Locals can be heard questioning them, claiming it was Bangladeshi land.

Following the incident, a high-level flag meeting between the BSF and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) was held on Monday (November 3) to defuse tensions. According to BSF sources, BGB acknowledged that the disputed land indeed falls within Indian territory and subsequently removed Bangladeshi nationals who had been cultivating there.

BSF sources further stated that BGB apologised for the misunderstanding, assuring that such incidents would not recur.

The situation along the Sribhumi–Zakiganj border is now reported to be peaceful.