Bangladesh’s Controversial Embankment Construction Sparks Concerns in Kailashahar
Agartala, January 18, 2025: Tensions have risen along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Kailashahar as allegations emerge of Bangladesh constructing embankments dangerously close to the international border. The embankments, built in the Rangauti Gram Panchayat area near Devipur, have sparked fears of flooding in Kailashahar during the monsoon.
Two days ago, Kailashahar MLA Birajit Sinha raised this issue during a Tripura Legislative Assembly session, urging Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha to take immediate action. According to MLA Sinha, the embankment construction violates international norms as it is being built right next to the zero-point boundary. The MLA expressed concerns that the embankments, if left unchecked, could submerge the entire Kailashahar area during the rainy season. His claims were backed by state minister Sudhanshu Das, who also brought the issue to the Chief Minister’s attention.
In response, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha assured the Assembly that discussions with the central government had already taken place, and further steps would be taken soon to address the issue. He also directed local authorities to investigate the matter on the ground.
On January 17, following the Chief Minister’s instructions, a team led by Unakoti District Magistrate Dilip Kumar Chakma visited the site. The team included Additional District Magistrate Argha Saha, Gournagar Panchayat Samiti Vice Chairman Md. Badruzzaman, and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Matiranjan Debbarma. They inspected the embankment near Pillar No. 1849 on the India-Bangladesh border.
Speaking to the media after the inspection, District Magistrate Dilip Kumar Chakma stated that the embankment construction by Bangladesh is entirely unauthorized and violates international guidelines. The embankments are being built at night, with no prior communication with the Indian government or local authorities. The DM revealed that Bangladesh plans to construct a 10-kilometer-long embankment, of which 3 kilometers have already been completed. Moreover, parts of the embankment feature asphalt roads and tall concrete walls.
The embankment is being constructed in the Alinagar area of Kulaura police station under Moulvibazar district in Bangladesh. According to the DM, while India also has an embankment 350 meters from the zero point on its side, it is weaker and needs immediate repair or reconstruction. He stressed the need for India’s embankment to be stronger and higher than Bangladesh’s to prevent future flooding in Kailashahar.
District Magistrate Chakma assured that higher authorities would be consulted to address the issue urgently and take appropriate countermeasures.
“Bangladesh is constructing embankments at night without any communication or approval. This is a serious violation of international guidelines, and we will take necessary steps to safeguard Kailashahar,” said Dilip Kumar Chakma, District Magistrate of Unakoti.
