Assam NRC List: Vigilance at Sylhet border increased 

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has increased vigilance in different areas in Sylhet near the border of Bangladesh and India after the final Assam citizens' list was released on Saturday.

BGB officials said they have taken all sorts of preparation to thwart infiltration and push-in at the border.

In the final version of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in India’s Assam more than 19 lakh people were excluded from the list. Those who are not on the list will get a chance to appeal within the next 120 days.

Gowainghat, Jokiganj, Biyanibazar, Jointapur, Companyganj and Kanaighat upazilas in Sylhet are located near the border with India. Three other districts in the division – Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj – are also adjacent to India’s border. 

Among these, Biyanibazar, Kanaighat and Jokiganj are connected with India, so vigilance was intensified most in these areas.

Commander of BGB’s Battalion 19 Lt Col Said Hossain said vigilance at different parts of the border in Sylhet has been increased.

He said, “We are always on alert. Besides, Assam state was working on the list for a long time, so we were alert from the very beginning. And we are still vigilant.”

“The residents including the representatives of the people were also directed to thwart any sort of push-in. Especially, those who are involved in cultivation near the border were told to inform us if they sense any suspicious activity at the border with India,” he added.

However, Sylhet Deputy Commissioner M Kazi Emdadul Islam refused to comment on the matter. He said, “This concerns the Home Ministry. I would not comment regarding the issue.”