BGB lodges 'strong protest' as BSF installs CCTV camera

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has strongly protested the Indian Border Security Force's (BSF) installation of a CCTV camera on the zero line at the Dakshin Banshjani border in Kurigram's Bhurungamari upazila.

In a letter to the BSF, BGB stated that the move was made without prior notice.

According to BGB and locals, BSF personnel from Chhoto Garoljhara camp installed the camera last night (February 9) on an eucalyptus tree near sub-pillar 9 of the main international border pillar 978, facing Bangladesh. Locals reported the matter to BGB this morning.

BGB issued a protest letter demanding the camera's removal, citing security and privacy concerns. Despite several discussions throughout the day, the BSF has yet to comply.

Locals expressed alarm over the installation, particularly as a 200-year-old mosque at the Dakshin Banshjani Jhakuatari border -- frequented by worshippers from both countries -- is undergoing reconstruction.

Alamgir Hossain, muezzin of Dakshin Banshjani Jhaquatari Jame Masjid, said, "People from Bangladesh and India have prayed together here for generations. Although the border was drawn through the village during partition, our bond remains. As the mosque is being rebuilt, the presence of a BSF CCTV camera raised suspicion among the locals."

Kurigram BGB Battalion 22 Commanding Officer Lt Col Masudur Rahman confirmed the incident and ongoing discussions with BSF, which has assured that the camera will be removed.