Bangladesh unrest: India sounds high alert along border; BSF chief in Kolkata to monitor situation

Indian government has sounded high alert along the international border in the wake of the law and order situation in Bangladesh, official said on Monday.

India shares a 4,096-kilometre border with the neighbouring country where massive anti-government protests have led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the formation of an interim government by the Army.

New Delhi is keeping a close watch of the situation with Daljit Singh Chawdhary, director general of the Border Security Force, landing in Kolkata to take stock of the situation.

Officials said the security had been beefed up along the border to thwart any attempt of infiltration or illegal entry from Bangladesh. 

Quoting a senior officer, PTI reported that the leaves of all the personnel posted along the Bangladesh border were cancelled in the last few weeks. The border guarding force has also directed all its field commanders to be "on ground".

West Bengal shares a 2,217 kilometre border and Tripura a 856 kilomtere border with Bangladesh. Meghalaya (443 km), Assam (262 km) and Mizoram (318 km) are the other states that share border with India’s eastern neighbour.

Meanwhile, Hasina, who fled Dhaka after stepping down amid the massive unrest in the country, has  landed in India. According to reports she is likely to flee to London in a commercial flight.

Army chief Zaman said he had a fruitful discussion with all political parties in the country and an interim government would soon be formed. He also urged the protesters to shun the path of violence and give the new government “a little time” to address their demands.