Bangladesh should not forget BSF's role in its creation: Amit Shah

Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday issued a sharp reminder to Bangladesh, urging the neighbouring country not to overlook the role played by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) in its creation during the 1971 Liberation War.

Speaking at the 22nd BSF Investiture Ceremony and the Rustamji Memorial Lecture, Shah recalled India’s contribution to Bangladesh’s freedom from Pakistan and highlighted BSF’s significant involvement during the Liberation War.

“Bangladesh should not forget the big role played by BSF in its creation,” he said.

The statement comes amid strain in ties between New Delhi and Dhaka since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, who was replaced by interim head Muhammed Yunus.

During the 1971 war, India's BSF played a crucial role in supporting the Mukti Bahini (freedom fighters) from then East Pakistan against the Pakistani army.

The BSF provided arms training, logistical support and even engaged in cross-border operations alongside the Mukti Bahini.

'Guarding the most difficult borders'

During the ceremony, the home minister also highlighted the BSF’s challenging task of handling two difficult borders.

“When it was decided that one force will provide security on one border, BSF was given the responsibility of guarding the two most difficult borders – Bangladesh and Pakistan – and given your capabilities, you have secured it very well,” he said.

He praised the BSF as a symbol of commitment and excellence, saying it had earned a reputation as a world-class border guarding force. Shah paid tribute to over 2,000 personnel who have died in the line of duty since the BSF’s formation in 1965.

Founded by KF Rustamji, the BSF is the world’s largest border guarding force, with around 2.75 lakh personnel securing India’s frontiers with Pakistan and Bangladesh.