"We have information...": Mamata Banerjee Accuses BSF of Enabling Infiltration from Bangladesh to Destabilise Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused the Border Security Force (BSF) of facilitating infiltration from Bangladesh, which she claims is aimed at destabilizing the state. Speaking during an administrative meeting, Banerjee criticized the central forces, alleging that they were allowing infiltrators to enter Bengal and engaging in misconduct, particularly against women.

“The BSF is allowing infiltration from different areas into Bengal and torturing women. The TMC is not guarding the borders. The border is not in our hands, so if someone accuses the TMC of permitting infiltration, I will point out that it is the BSF's responsibility," said Banerjee.

The remarks come shortly after Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that "infiltration from Bangladesh" was disrupting peace in Bengal. The growing tension between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over this issue has become a significant point of contention.

Mamata Banerjee further stated that she would instruct the state's Director General of Police (DGP) to launch an investigation into the locations from where the BSF was allegedly facilitating infiltration. “The police have all the information, and the Centre has it too. I have received information from Rajiv Kumar (DGP) and local sources. I will write a strong letter to the Centre regarding this,” she added.

Banerjee emphasized her desire for peace in both West Bengal and neighboring Bangladesh, stressing that her government had no conflict with Bangladesh itself. “We have no enmity, but goons are being allowed here. They commit crimes and return across the border. BSF is enabling this, and the Centre has a role in it,” she said. Banerjee also warned that there would be protests if anyone attempted to instigate terror activities in the state.

The BJP quickly responded to Banerjee's accusations. BJP leader Anirban Ganguly criticized the West Bengal CM, stating, “Mamata Banerjee is the only leader who has criticized and abused the BSF. The problem with Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee is that the BSF has come down hard on the nefarious network involved with drugs and human and cattle trafficking, some of the kingpins of this network. We would advise them to cooperate with the BSF, considering the current situation in Bangladesh.”

The India-Bangladesh border spans 4,096 kilometers, much of which is porous and features rivers that make border control challenging. Tensions between the two countries have escalated since former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was deposed last August.​