BDR-BSF stand-off in Dinajpur

Tension mounted in Mohonpur border in Dinajpur as BDR and BSF are in a stand-off position after the Indian authorities started construction of an embankment on Atrai river 50 yards inside the zero line on Friday.

The embankment is being constructed near main pillar No. 302 and river pillar No. 1 and 2 under cover of BSF protection.

BDR protested the construction and declared a red alert in the area as BSF reinforced its strength, BDR sources said yesterday.

A flag meeting was held yesterday, yielding no result. Another flag meeting would be held on May 30, BDR sources said.

On the other hand, river erosion in border areas of Dinajpur continues as Atrai embankment renovation work inside Bangladesh territory by Water Development Board (WDB) remained suspended for few years in the face of resistance by BSF.

BDR said BSF yesterday increased its strength and mobilised heavy weapons in Gangarampur village across the border. BDR also increased its strength.

Lt. Col Nurul Islam of 15 Rifle Battalion told The Daily Star that the Indian authorities are constructing the embankment in violation of border rules.

WDB sources said Bangladesh stopped construction of spars in Karatoa river in Panchagarh, Atrai in Dinajpur and Nagar and Kulik in Thakurgaon to stop erosion following Indian objection.

Former water resources minister Hafiz Uddin and his Indian counterpart Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi at a meeting decided for a joint survey of border rivers to demarcate the boundary but it is yet to be implemented.