BSF attempt to push 12 people through Satkhira border foiled

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has foiled an alleged attempt by India's Border Security Force (BSF) to push 10–12 unidentified people into Bangladesh through the Kalindi River border in Satkhira, officials said.

The incident took place this morning  (11 September) amid heavy rain and adverse weather conditions, according to Lieutenant Colonel Khandaker Abu Sohal Abdullah, commander of Nildumur Battalion (17 BGB).

He said members of 77 BSF Battalion, stationed at the Char Sahebkhali BSF camp, attempted to bring the group into Bangladesh using a country boat and a speedboat.

The alleged push-in attempt took place on a sandbar in the middle of the Kalindi River at a location known as Chhoto Banshajharia Mini Forest, around 3.5km south of Khurmi Border Outpost (BOP) under 17 BGB.

A patrol team from Khurmi BOP spotted the movement and immediately reached the area by speedboat despite the heavy rain, preventing the group from entering Bangladesh, the BGB commander said.

He said the BSF personnel failed to bring the people across because of the BGB's firm position.

At around 11am, the BSF took the 10–12 people back into Indian territory, he added.

"17 BGB is performing its duties with the highest alertness, professionalism and responsibility to ensure the country's border security. No individual or group will be allowed to enter Bangladesh illegally.

Any attempt at push-in that violates international border management principles, applicable laws and existing bilateral understandings is being firmly resisted by 17 BGB," Lieutenant Colonel Khandaker Abu Sohal Abdullah said.

He added that intelligence surveillance, patrols and operational activities had been strengthened several times in border areas to prevent such incidents.

"17 BGB is fully prepared to protect the country's sovereignty and border security and to deal with any situation," he said.