The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has installed CCTV cameras near a mosque on the zero line of the Dakshin Banshjani border in Bhurungamari upazila, Kurigram, prompting a strong protest from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) during a flag meeting.
Kurigram 22 BGB Director Lieutenant Colonel Masudur Rahman confirmed the development on Monday.
According to BGB and local sources, BSF personnel from India's Chhota Garol Jhara camp installed a CCTV camera on a eucalyptus tree near border pillar 978 along the Dakshin Banshjani border in Pathardubi union on Sunday night, facing Bangladesh.
Locals alerted the BGB on Monday morning, following which the BGB raised objections with the BSF.
A company commander-level flag meeting was held, where the BGB strongly protested the camera installation and demanded its removal.
However, as of Monday afternoon, the BSF had not complied.
The century-old Dakshin Banshjani Jhaquatari Jame Mosque, located on the zero line, has been a point of contention.
Citizens from both countries offer prayers there, but the BSF previously objected to its reconstruction, halting work for two years.
Locals expressed concern over the newly installed cameras, citing security and privacy issues.
Alamgir Hossain, the mosque's muezzin, said: “The mosque’s construction has been stalled for two years due to BSF objections. Now, they have installed CCTV cameras overnight, raising further security concerns. The BGB has asked for their removal, but the BSF has not responded.”
BGB Director Lieutenant Colonel Masudur Rahman said: “We have raised the issue with the BSF. A flag meeting was held at the company commander level on Monday, and a battalion commander-level meeting is scheduled for Tuesday to resolve the matter.”
