Tensions have escalated along the Bangladesh-India border at the Ballarmukha embankment near the Muhuri River in Feni’s Parshuram upazila, as the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has obstructed its reconstruction. Additionally, BSF has reportedly built several new bunkers along the border.
According to local sources, on Monday night, BSF turned off border lights and excavated multiple bunkers near the disputed area. The embankment, which spans 70 meters, has about 30 meters within what BSF claims to be a no-man’s-land. Since the beginning of the reconstruction work, BSF has been actively preventing further progress.
On Tuesday morning, BSF intervened and stopped several excavators working on the embankment's construction. In response, multiple meetings were held between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and BSF at the Nishkalikapur border camp in Bangladesh and the Ishan Chandra Nagar camp in India.
During a joint inspection at noon, the disputed area was measured in the presence of both border forces. BGB’s Mazumdar Hat company commander, Subedar Abdur Rashid, led the team representing Bangladesh.
The necessity for embankment reconstruction stems from the devastating floods of July-August 2024. Heavy rainfall and mountain runoff from India submerged vast areas of Parshuram, Fulgazi, Chhagalnaiya, Feni Sadar, and Daganbhuiyan upazilas, displacing thousands and destroying homes, crops, and property.
In the aftermath, embankments at 102 locations along the Muhuri, Kohua, and Silonia rivers collapsed. While 96 sections have been repaired at a cost of Taka 9.53 crore, work is still ongoing at Ballarmukha. The area’s residents, fearing another monsoon season, have been demanding urgent reconstruction of the embankment.
Despite BSF’s repeated objections, the Bangladesh Water Development Board and contractors have continued construction. On January 30, BSF initially blocked the project, citing international border laws requiring embankments to maintain a specific distance from the zero line. However, BGB has instructed contractors to continue their work, asserting that the embankment is being built within Bangladesh’s sovereign territory.
BGB’s Feni Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Mosharraf Hossain, clarified the situation, stating, “Out of the 70 meters under construction, 40 meters are located beyond the 150-yard border restriction zone, while the remaining 30 meters fall within it. BSF has raised objections regarding this 30-meter section.”
Following discussions, officials from India’s Manpower Commission and Bangladesh’s Water Development Board conducted a field inspection, and a meeting was held. The final decision on the disputed section will be made by the Joint Rivers Commission.
Regarding BSF’s construction of bunkers, BGB officials acknowledged the development. “We have observed BSF setting up new duty posts. We have raised the issue, and they have assured us that they will remove them,” Lt. Col. Mosharraf Hossain said.
Meanwhile, the local population remains on edge, concerned about the approaching monsoon season and the risk of renewed flooding. Resident Mohammad Yasin, an eyewitness, stated, “BSF has dug five to six bunkers along the border and attempted to stop the embankment work. However, BGB has reassured us that the construction is not within the no-man’s-land, and work is proceeding accordingly.”
