A clash broke out between local Bangladeshi farmers and members of India’s Border Security Force (BSF) at the Burimari border in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat on Saturday afternoon, amid allegations that BSF personnel entered Bangladeshi territory and attempted to assault farmers.

The incident occurred near border pillar No. 837/4-S in the Bamandol area of Burimari Union, according to local sources.

Locals alleged that BSF personnel entered approximately 100 yards into Bangladesh from the border and attempted to beat up farmers.

In response, local residents gathered with sticks and chased the BSF personnel, with some allegedly assaulting several members of the Indian border force.

The locals further alleged that BSF personnel fired shots and hurled explosives in response to the resistance.

However, these allegations could not be independently verified.

Lieutenant Colonel Shahinul Islam, commanding officer of the Border Guard Bangladesh’s (BGB) 61st Battalion, confirmed the incident to reporters around 8:30pm on Saturday.

He said a flag meeting had been held in the afternoon at the request of the BSF following the clash between its personnel and Bangladeshi villagers in the Bamandol border area.

The BGB also sent a protest letter over the incident, he added.

The latest confrontation comes just days after another incident at the Tin Bigha Corridor in Patgram.

On October 20, a BSF member was accused of assaulting a Bangladeshi van driver while he was travelling through the corridor.

In protest, the BGB and BSF held a flag meeting on October 21.

During the meeting, the BGB protested the alleged misconduct, and the BSF member reportedly expressed regret, assuring that such incidents would not recur.

The latest clash has renewed tensions along the Burimari border, with local residents alleging that the BSF personnel’s entry into Bangladeshi territory triggered the confrontation.

Source: Kalbela