Tensions flared at the Lalmonirhat-Patgram border when the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) fired three rounds of sound grenades near Serampur Union in Patgram Upazila, close to Sub Pillar 3, Main Pillar No. 854 on the Bangladesh-India border on Wednesday.
According to media and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) sources, the BSF suspected smuggling activity and fired the grenades around 5:20 am, causing panic among nearby residents. No casualties were reported.
The BGB quickly responded from nearby camps and held a flag meeting with the BSF to address the incident. BGB lodged a formal protest, describing the grenade firing as an unnecessary attempt to intimidate civilians, and called for better communication and coordination to prevent future incidents.
Lt. Col. Sheikh Mohammad Musahid Masum, Commander of the 61 BGB Battalion, confirmed the protest and said the situation is now calm and under control.
The BSF explained that the grenades were used while pursuing cattle smugglers crossing into India but assured that such actions would be avoided in the future.
