Border Guard Bangladesh has reclaimed a 5-kilometre stretch of border territory along the Kodala River in Moheshpur upazila of Jhenaidah, strengthening Bangladesh鈥檚 sovereignty over the area.
The Moheshpur 58 BGB Battalion verified the river鈥檚 rightful ownership through documents, maps, and consultations with the local administration. Acting on these findings, the battalion took decisive action, according to a press release issued on Monday.
On December 19, 2024, BGB personnel began 24-hour patrols using motorised boats and all-terrain vehicles to establish control over the river. Guided by directives from higher authorities, they carried out their mission with professionalism and goodwill.
By December 20, 2024, the BGB had restored local access to the Kodala River. Bangladeshi citizens resumed fishing, cultivating along the riverbanks, and engaging in other daily activities. Illegal movements by Indian nationals in the area had largely ceased.
On January 6, 2025, the commanding officer of the Moheshpur Battalion met with local residents to raise awareness about the river鈥檚 rightful ownership. He thanked the community for their support and encouraged them to educate future generations about the area鈥檚 sovereignty.
The officer urged locals to continue irrigation and cultivation activities while assuring them of the BGB鈥檚 unwavering support in addressing any challenges.
This reclaimed section of the river, which runs southward within Bangladesh, forms part of the Bangladesh-India border near Matila. The Bangladesh-India map [Steep Map Sheet No 51] adopted in 1961 confirms that this 4.80-kilometre stretch lies entirely within Bangladesh鈥檚 territory.
Over the years, local residents witnessed the gradual encroachment of this area by the Indian Border Security Force. After Bangladesh鈥檚 independence, many people relocated from the border, which allowed the BSF to assert control over this portion of the Kodala River.
This encroachment restricted access for Bangladeshi citizens, leading to frequent disputes between BSF and local residents and occasional confrontations with BGB personnel, the press release added.