BSF personnel leave guns behind after border dispute in Lalmonirhat

Three members of India's Border Security Force (BSF) left behind two shotguns and a walkie-talkie and withdrew from Bangladeshi territory on Tuesday (August 25) after facing protests from local residents along the Lalmonirhat border.

The incident took place around noon in the Velaguri border area of Hatibandha upazila after the BSF personnel allegedly became involved in an argument with locals over cattle grazing.

According to locals, as more residents gathered and protested, the three BSF members retreated, leaving their weapons and communication device behind.

A patrol team of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) later recovered the items and took them into custody.

The incident was discussed at a flag meeting between BGB and BSF battalion commanders that evening. The weapons and walkie-talkie were subsequently returned to the BSF.

Lt Col Mehedi Imam, commander of Lalmonirhat 15 BGB Battalion, confirmed the development today, saying the BSF commandant of the 78th Battalion had apologised during the meeting and pledged appropriate action against the personnel involved.