Guwahati : Former Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF) SL Thaosen has dismissed claims by some leaders in Bangladesh about cutting off the Northeast from mainland India, asserting that such threats are unrealistic and cannot be translated into action.

Thaosen said the idea of severing the strategic Siliguri Corridor-popularly known as the Chicken Neck-will “always remain a dream” for those making such statements. He underlined that Bangladesh lacks the military capability to challenge India on the ground.

“Those who are threatening to cut off the Chicken Neck Corridor will never come down to the ground and fight. Such a move would require direct military confrontation, and Bangladesh can never match the might of the Indian armed forces,” he said.

Thaosen remarked that while Indian forces are battle-hardened and combat-ready, Bangladesh’s military does not have comparable experience. “Indian forces are always prepared. Bangladesh has largely an ornamental army that has not fought major battles,” he added.

Commenting on the broader political situation in Bangladesh, the former BSF chief said recent developments are a cause for concern for India, particularly as anti-India forces appear to be gaining ground. However, he cautioned against generalising public sentiment in the neighbouring country.

“Not all people in Bangladesh are radicals,” Thaosen said, expressing hope that the situation would stabilise once an elected government assumes power.

On measures needed to prevent anti-India elements from infiltrating through the Bangladesh border, Thaosen advocated a multi-layered security approach. He noted that while the BSF guards the international border, difficult terrain in certain stretches makes it impossible to maintain round-the-clock vigilance along every inch.

“If someone manages to sneak in, they will have to use public transport such as buses or trains. That is where vigilance must be stepped up,” he said, calling for heightened monitoring across all modes of transport.

Thaosen also stressed the importance of involving local communities in border areas. “People living along the border should be taken into confidence so that they can alert authorities if they notice unfamiliar faces,” he said.

Expressing optimism about the future, the former BSF DG said he hoped an elected government in Bangladesh would rein in the influence of hostile external agencies. “An elected government will not give free rein to Pakistan’s ISI to operate there,” he said.

He added that while Bangladesh may be able to survive without India’s support, the quality of life of its people would deteriorate significantly without close cooperation with its larger neighbour.