A flag meeting has been requested by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) with India's Border Security Force (BSF) after the latter allegedly entered Bangladesh territory and assaulted farmers in Hatibandha upazila on Tuesday afternoon, before fleeing following a scuffle with local residents, leaving behind two shotguns and a walkie-talkie.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Lt Col Mehedi Imam, commanding officer of BGB-15 Battalion, who visited the spot, said, “Talks are underway with the BSF over the matter. A flag meeting at the commander level has been requested. We will provide details after the meeting.”

The incident took place around 4:00pm near Main Border Pillar No. 907 in the Bonchowki-Amjhol border area under Gotamari union of the upazila, according to locals and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

According to the locals, several farmers were working in their fields near the Amjhol border when BSF personnel allegedly entered Bangladesh territory and assaulted them.

Hearing the incident, local villagers rushed to the spot and chased the BSF personnel. During the ensuing scuffle, the BSF members allegedly left behind two shotguns and a walkie-talkie and fled the area.

BGB personnel from Bonchowki Border Outpost later went to the spot and recovered the firearms and walkie-talkie, taking them into their custody.