Bangladeshi authorities have increased security along the border with India to prevent illegal crossings, according to a statement from Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) public relations officer Shariful Islam.

Shariful Islam said in a brief message, “BGB has stepped up security to prevent illegal movement.” He confirmed that the BGB has intensified measures to stop unauthorized movements and urged the public to report any suspicious activities via two designated mobile phone numbers.

“The move was made as many people are trying to flee to India through the border across the country. BGB has taken the measure so that no one can leave Bangladesh across the border,” Islam told Hindustan Times.

This action follows reports of people attempting to flee Bangladesh for India. Recently, BGB detained retired Supreme Court Justice AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik as he allegedly tried to cross into India through the Sylhet sector.

The increased security comes amid heightened tensions following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, amid student-led protests. Since then, there have been multiple reports of Awami League leaders and activists attempting to escape to India. In one instance, the body of Awami League leader Ishaque Ali Khan Panna was discovered in the Indian state of Meghalaya's Jaintia Hills district, which shares a border with Bangladesh.

Bangladesh and India share a 4,096 km border, and Dhaka has raised concerns about the killing of Bangladeshi citizens by Indian security forces in border incidents.

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