Highlights:
- Farmer Babul Ali went viral after confronting Indian BSF with a spade to block illegal fencing on Bangladesh soil.
- BGB honored him during the 10th anniversary of the 59th Rahonpur Battalion.
- Locals stood with Babul Ali and BGB to protect Bangladesh’s territory.
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The incident received national and international media attention.
At the Chapainawabganj border, tensions arose when Indian Border Security Force (BSF) began constructing a barbed wire fence illegally inside Bangladeshi territory.
During the standoff in January this year, local farmer Babul Ali joined BGB soldiers on the frontline, holding a spade in hand to resist the intrusion. His photo quickly went viral on social media.
The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has now formally honored Babul Ali for his courageous act. The ceremony took place on Wednesday, December 3, at the headquarters of the 59th Rahonpur Battalion as part of the battalion’s 10th-anniversary celebrations.
According to BGB, the BSF violated international laws by starting fence construction inside Bangladesh. They also collaborated with Indian civilians, who later cut down mango trees belonging to local residents.
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In response, BGB organized a strong resistance with the support of local people, which successfully thwarted the attempt. Babul Ali, upon receiving the honor and said,
‘খুব ভালো লাগছে। জানুয়ারি মাসে যেমনভাবে আমিসহ সীমান্তের মানুষ ভারতীয় আগ্রাসনের প্রতিরোধ গড়ে তুলেছিল। তেমনি আগামীতেও এমন ঘটনা ঘটলে আমরা সীমান্তে প্রতিরোধ গড়ে তুলব। দেশের মাটিকে সম্পূর্ণ নিরাপদ রাখতে আমরা সকলে বদ্ধপরিকর রয়েছি।’
Translation: “It feels great. Just like in January, when we, along with the border communities, resisted Indian intrusion, we are ready to do the same in the future. We are committed to protecting our land completely.”
Recalling the incident, he added,
‘কাঁটাতারের বেড়া নির্মাণের জন্য ভারতের বিএসএফ মাটি খনন করছিল, এসময় বাঁধা দেয় বিজিবি। এতে দুই দেশের মধ্যে উত্তেজনা সৃষ্টি হয়। এজন্য আমরা গ্রামের মানুষ বিজিবির পাশে দাঁড়িয়েছিলাম। কারণ দেশের মাটি কাউকে দখল করতে দেব না। এমনকি দেশ বাঁচাতে গিয়ে প্রাণ দিতেও দ্বিধা করব না। এজন্যই সাহস নিয়ে বিজিবির পাশে কাস্তে হাতে বসে ছিলাম।’
Translation: “BSF was digging the ground to build a barbed wire fence, and BGB stopped them. This caused tension between the two countries. That’s why we, the villagers, stood with BGB. We will never allow anyone to occupy our land, and we wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice our lives to protect the country. That’s why I sat with a spade in hand alongside BGB.”
The anniversary event included discussions, a luncheon, and a prayer session. The chief guest, Colonel Kamal Hossain, Rajshahi Sector Commander of BGB, praised the bravery of local border residents.
Lieutenant Colonel Golam Kibria, commanding officer of the 59th Battalion, expressed gratitude toward the locals for supporting Bangladesh’s border defense. The ceremony was attended by district officials, police, army, RAB officers, business leaders, and other government representatives.
Source: Somoy News TV
