BGB foils eight more push-in attempts in 24 hours

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has foiled eight separate attempts by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to push people into Bangladesh illegally through different border areas over the past 24 hours.

Public Relations Officer of BGB Headquarters Md Shariful Islam confirmed the information on Saturday morning.

He said three individuals attempted to enter Bangladesh from India through the Jadabpur border area under the responsibility of Maheshpur Battalion (58 BGB) in Jhenaidah. BGB patrol members took position along the zero line and prevented their entry, forcing them to return to Indian territory, he added.

“In another incident, attempts were made to push 17 individuals into Bangladesh through the Kormudanga border area under Naogaon Battalion (16 BGB). BGB patrol teams immediately prevented the move,” Shariful said.

According to the BGB official, attempts were also made to push 21 individuals into Bangladesh through the Borkhata and Poyshottibari border areas under Teesta Battalion (61 BGB). However, prompt preventive measures by BGB foiled the attempts and the individuals failed to cross the border.

At the Dighaltari border area under Lalmonirhat Battalion (15 BGB), attempts were made to push seven individuals into Bangladesh. BGB members quickly reached the spot and effectively prevented their entry.

The same battalion also prevented another attempt involving four individuals at the Durgapur border area.

“Currently, those individuals are staying in a char area without border fencing inside Indian territory, while BGB is maintaining close surveillance there,” Shariful Islam said.

He further said BSF brought 10 individuals to an unfenced area near the Borobari Pradhanpara border in Panchagarh under Nilphamari Battalion (56 BGB).

A company commander-level flag meeting was held between BGB and BSF over the matter.

“Although BSF claimed those individuals were Bangladeshi citizens, they failed to provide any evidence supporting their claim. BGB is closely monitoring the situation,” he said.

Meanwhile, according to BGB, around 16 to 17 individuals previously gathered at Balishi Gitaram Government Primary School under Mahadev Police Station in India’s Assam state, opposite the Kochugora border under Netrokona Battalion (31 BGB), have reportedly been shifted to an area adjacent to BSF’s Chikni Camp opposite Lengura border because of BGB’s strict position.

BGB said it remains on maximum alert and is closely observing the situation in the area.