Bangladesh-India border tension: Locals retaliate after BSF picks up farmers

Tensions flared along the Bangladesh-India border in Dinajpur on Friday noon after the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) allegedly crossed into Bangladeshi territory and picked up two Bangladeshi farmers, triggering a swift response from local residents.

The incident occurred in the Dharampur union of Biral upazila, where farmers Masud and Enamul were harvesting paddy near the border. According to locals, BSF personnel allegedly entered the area and detained the two men.

In retaliation, residents of the area captured two Indian nationals—Abinash Tudu and Philip Soren—both identified as tribal farmers from Anantapur village under Gangarampur police station in West Bengal's Dakshin Dinajpur district.

As of 2:15 PM, a flag meeting was underway between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the BSF in an effort to de-escalate the situation and facilitate the return of the detained individuals from both sides.

Rezaul Karim, commander of Dharamjoyn Border Outpost (BOP) under BGB's 42 Battalion, confirmed the ongoing discussions and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution.

Local residents reported that such incidents have occurred multiple times in the past, with similar patterns of cross-border detentions leading to retaliatory actions by civilians.

Border authorities have not released an official statement on the cause or legality of the alleged border crossing and detentions.