Kolkata, 1 December (H.S.):

The BSF’s Eastern Command on Monday released a detailed report revealing that 10,263 Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended along the India-Bangladesh border over the past year while attempting to illegally enter or exit Indian territory. The figures reflect heightened cross-border activity as well as significantly enhanced vigilance by the Border Security Force throughout the year.

According to the Eastern Command, BSF troops remained on round-the-clock alert amid recent unrest in Bangladesh, conducting continuous patrols and monitoring every movement along sensitive stretches of the border.

Despite challenging circumstances, the force said its personnel “burnt their midnight oil” to curb illegal infiltration attempts, resulting in the interception of thousands of individuals trying to cross the border clandestinely.

Officials said ground deployment was further strengthened this year, with intensified technical surveillance, rigorous night-time checks, and additional security in vulnerable areas. These measures ensured that most infiltration attempts were detected at the very initial stage.

The Eastern Command pointed out that the turmoil in Bangladesh had significantly increased the threat of infiltration across several border points, but the alertness displayed by BSF teams helped prevent a large number of illegal migrants from entering India.

On the occasion of BSF’s 61st Raising Day, the Eastern Command extended greetings to all officers, personnel, and their families, emphasising that border guarding is an extremely sensitive responsibility that must be carried out with integrity and dedication.

The annual review report also highlighted major successes in anti-smuggling operations. The BSF seized narcotics worth ₹376.52 crore smuggled across the border, in addition to ₹170.57 crore worth of other contraband. The force also recovered 51.389 kilograms of gold valued at over ₹67.42 crore.

According to the Command, these figures underscore the scale and intensity of operations undertaken throughout the year. BSF personnel maintained strict vigilance not only against illegal infiltration but also against smuggling of gold, drugs, and other contraband, ensuring robust security along the Indo-Bangladesh border despite adverse conditions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh