Tensions mounted in the country's northwestern border areas of Panchagarh over planting tea saplings through zero-line areas by the Indians with the backing of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) Saturday.
The Bangladesh Rifles' (BDR) personnel prevented the Indian tea laborers Saturday when they tried to plant saplings, according to the United News of Bangladesh.
The Indian tea laborers now left the place stopping their work.
On information, BSF reinforced with heavy arms, heightening tensions.
Situation may deteriorate anytime as BDR and BSF men stood face to face, apprehended many a locals.
The Indians, with the help of BSF, have been trying to set up a tea garden at the boarder for two years, but the bid was prevented by the BDR.
It is alleged that the BSF, on several occasions, took provocative steps, including blasting firebombs and planting anti- personal mine along the border, violating international border laws.
At least seven Bangladeshis have been killed and two injured by the BSF guards in Panchagarh and Thakurgaon districts during last two and a half months.
They also kidnapped eight Bangladeshis and looted cattle from Bangladesh territories during the period, the reports said.
( 10/07/2001)
