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DHAKA, July 12 (AFP) - Bangladesh Wednesday put its forces on alert across its entire border with India amid rising tensions as troops from both sides exchanged fire, the official BSS news agency reported. It was the first time Bangladesh forces had been placed on alert across the entire 4,123-kilometer (2,556 miles) border. "Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) has been asked to prevent any further attacks from the BSF (India's Border Security Forces)," a BDR official told the agency. "BDR has also been asked to remain (on) alert along the 4,123 kilometer border," he said. Bangladesh and Indian border guards exchanged fire with semi-automatic weapons after three civilians were allegedly killed by India's BSF, the agency said. Residents in the western Kushtia and northeastern Sylhet districts were earlier evacuated as tensions escalated along the frontier. The alert and border skirmishes came after reports that, following a quarrel, Indian border guards had allegedly shot dead two Bangladeshi brothers who were working their farm on Tuesday. Local officials, quoted by Ittefaq and other daily newspapers, said the incident occurred in the northern village of Khalisha Kotal. They said BDR troops rushed to the area amid reports their Indian counterparts had reinforced positions at two border posts. On Monday, near the Sripur frontier area in northeastern Sylhet region, forces from both sides traded fire for an hour following the death of a villager.
According to official statistics India's BSF has killed 32 Bangladeshi nationals and injured 42 others during the last six months. The latest assault was allegedly carried out by 30 to 40 Indians, Ittefaq reported, but gave no reason for the attack. Reports quoting local BDR sources said the two sides traded up to 500 rounds, but no more casualties were incurred by Bangladesh. At least one major frontier road was closed. |
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