India’s BSF launches major ‘Ops Alert’ drill on Bangladesh border amid rising tensions

India’s Border Security Force (BSF) has started an intense 10-day ‍‍`Ops Alert‍‍` drill. This exercise began on January 22 and will run through January 31.

India has stated that the drill aims to strengthen border security as part of preparations for the nation’s 76th Republic Day celebrations.

The BSF explained in an official statement that the drill was launched in response to the changing situation in Bangladesh, with the exercise timed to coincide with India’s Republic Day on January 26, 2025. 

This date marks a historic moment when India adopted its Constitution in 1950, transforming into a sovereign democratic republic. 

Republic Day is observed with grand celebrations across the country every year.

The BSF also shared that this operation is happening across the entire 4,096-kilometer border between India and Bangladesh. 

The goal is to make border security even stronger and to improve the safety of border posts. 

As part of the drill, BSF patrols will be stepped up, and additional security measures will be put in place to prevent any potential threats.

In light of the current situation, senior BSF officials have been actively reviewing the security setup along the eastern border. 

BSF’s Additional Director General for the East, Ravi Gandhi, has been inspecting areas in southern Bengal.

Gandhi has instructed all field officers to specifically focus on strengthening security in areas with no fences, such as riverine regions.

The BSF also mentioned that as part of the drill, they will carry out several security exercises both deep within the border areas and closer to the frontline. 

This will help test the response to any emergency and confirm that all procedures are in place. 

The BSF also plans to carry out programs aimed at maintaining good relations with the local communities along the border, in hopes of avoiding any misunderstandings or tensions.

This heightened security operation comes at a time of rising tension between the two countries, showing just how seriously India is taking the situation. 

The timing of the exercise just ahead of Republic Day highlights India’s commitment to keeping its borders secure and managing the challenges it faces with its neighboring countries.