India-Bangladesh border is one of the most challenging borders of world. It is a very complex border as population resides on either side of the border in close proximity and have same ethnic and cultural similarities which makes it porous and pose a serious challenge for our men guarding the border.
South Bengal Frontier is guarding an area of 913.324 Kms along the Indo-Bangladesh Border which includes 363.930 Kms of the riverine border and vast charland area with the undulating ground. These all peculiarities coupled with population residing in close proximity of International boundary on both side makes the border management very challenging.
On the operational front, South Bengal Frontier, BSF due to concerted efforts has been able to check smuggling activities to large extent. The troops of South Bengal Frontier, BSF were also able to apprehend large no. of Indian and foreigner infiltrators. With efforts peace prevailed on the borders of the South Bengal Frontier. South Bengal Frontier, BSF will continue efforts in maintaining secured environment on the border.
For welfare of border population Civic Action Plan, Border Area Development Programme, Swacchata Mission, incorporating Border population in celebrating BSF Raising Day and many other programme were organized in the last year. The welfare measures taken by BSF for border population will continue this year also.
The relations between both the border guarding forces of India and Bangladesh are cordial and both these Forces are putting in their best efforts in order to boost bilateral relations. This mutual understanding and cooperation between BSF and BGB have helped in resolving many issues on the border besides maintaining peace and tranquility. As a goodwill gesture and on humanitarian ground total 55 Bangladeshi nationals were handed over to Border Guard Bangladesh.
During the year South Bengal Frontier brought many laurels to the Force which also includes checking various trans-border crime to large extent as well as achievements in the field of sports and games.
Various activities were undertaken by the South Bengal Frontier which are as under:-
(a) VARIOUS ACTIVITIES & ORGANIZING HISTORIC MAITRI CYCLE RALLY: “Mujib Borsho” has been organized by Bangladesh to celebrate the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In its solidarity with Bangladesh and Border Guard Bangladesh, BSF organized a “Maitri Cycle Rally” along the Indo-Bangladesh border. The Maitri Cycle Rally started from Border Out Post Panitar, 153 Battalion, BSF, Sector Headquarters Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal on 10th January, 2021 and culminated on 17 March, 2021 at Border Out Post Silkor, 60 Battalion, Mizoram. 13 cyclists participated in this cycle rally. The rally covered 4097 kms of Indo-Bangladesh border with 06 states of West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya in 66 days.
(b) Fit India Freedom Run Program:- On 08 September 2021 under the leadership of Shri Anurag Garg, IPS, IG, BSF South Bengal Frontier “Fit India Movement” was organized at Frontier Headquarters, South Bengal, New Town, Rajarhat Kolkata. In the Fit India Movement campaign, a “10 kilometer run” was organized at all the sector headquarters, headquarters of battalions and borders under the South Bengal frontier. In which the officers of the BSF, subordinate officers, jawans as well as the local people took part enthusiastically. The main objective of this program was to make people aware of the need of running in physical fitness during the time of corona epidemic.
(c) Tree Plantation Drive:- In a concerted effort of ‘Greening the Nation’, a tree plantation drive was carried out by BSF South Bengal Frontier troops on 12 July 2021. The tree plantation target was set at 44,566. South Bengal Frontier, BSF planted 5,344 saplings in a day along the border. This was a part of the ongoing tree plantation drive, in which BSF, SouthBengal, Frontier have planted over 44,600 saplings across all border areas by the end of 2021.
(d) Covid-19 Awareness Campaign:- Border Security Force, India’s first line of defense showed commitment to protect the border population during the pandemic of COVID19 all over the world and BSF, South Bengal Frontier conducted various activities at various locations. BSF also organized awareness programmes, essential commodities and medical camps. BSF has been committed to help and build a better future for the people. The border guards carried out regular awareness campaigns at various places in the country and border areas and always stood by the needy in every adverse situation.
(e) Programs Organized On The Completion Of 50 Years Of Liberation And Liberation War Of Bangladesh:- Various programs were organized by South Bengal Frontier in the context of the completion of 50 years of Bangladesh’s liberation and victory over Pakistan and the incomparable contribution of BSF such as Cultural program, photo exhibition, arms exhibition, documentary and short movie exhibition. Under these programs, the public was aware about the incomparable contribution of India and BSF in the liberation war.
(f) Anti Human Trafficking Unit Deployed on the Border: South Bengal Frontier, BSF has taken a historic step in view of the continuous human trafficking cases in its area of responsibility, in which Anti Human Trafficking Unit, has been deployed at suspicious places. Due to which the cases of human trafficking have been curbed to a great extent. Anti Human Trafficking Unit of BSF South Bengal Frontier has rescued 33 victims (28 women and 05 minor girls) in 29 cases during the year 2021. Along with this, 33 touts of human trafficking have also been arrested.
