Unrest at Thakurgaon border as fate of 11 people hangs in the air

The fate of 11 Bangladeshi nationals who were allegedly pushed into the border area by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) at Haripur’s Mashalgong border in Thakurgaon remains uncertain even after nearly 36 hours, despite multiple flag meetings between border forces.

The prolonged standoff has created growing tension and concern along the border, with the affected individuals still stranded in the zero line area under harsh conditions.

According to reports, around 3:30am on Friday (5 June), the group—comprising men, women, and children—was allegedly pushed toward Bangladesh through the Mashalgong border area.

However, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) immediately intercepted the attempt, preventing their entry into Bangladeshi territory. Since then, the group has remained stranded in the no-man’s land between the two countries.

The stranded group includes three men, four women, and four children. Among them is a nine-month pregnant woman and a disabled child. They have been surviving under the open sky, exposed to intense heat, rain, and uncertainty, with no adequate access to food, clean water, or medical care.

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One of the children, a sixth-grade student named Rozina Akter, tearfully said she had been living with her parents in Kolkata, India. She claimed that after being detained by Indian authorities, they were moved across various border areas for about 12 days before being left near the Thakurgaon border.

She expressed hope of returning home soon but said she is now living in uncertainty.

Local residents described the situation as deeply distressing, saying women, children, and elderly individuals are sitting on the border embankment in extremely vulnerable conditions. While villagers have provided some dry food and water on humanitarian grounds, the assistance is far from sufficient. Children are reportedly showing signs of distress and illness due to prolonged exposure and trauma.

Anger has grown among border residents, who allege that BSF pushed the individuals across the border without regard for international norms or human rights. They have called for urgent diplomatic intervention to resolve the issue permanently.

Commander of Dinajpur Battalion (42 BGB) Lt Col Abdullah Al Moin Hasan said that protest was lodged through flag meetings against the alleged push-in.

“We have raised objections through flag meetings regarding illegal push-ins. We will accept any Bangladeshi nationals only if they are handed over with proper documentation in accordance with laws and procedures. No illegal push-in will be accepted,” he said.

Meanwhile, concern continues to mount over the humanitarian situation of the stranded men, women, and children who have now spent more than 36 hours in the border’s zero line area.

Locals and observers say the issue has evolved beyond border security and has become a serious humanitarian crisis, calling for urgent diplomatic and administrative action to ensure their safe resolution.