BSF pushes back 78 Bangladeshis at Sundarbans' Mandarbaria

The Border Security Force (BSF) has pushed back 78 Bangladeshi nationals at Mandarbaria area under Satkhira range of West Sundarbans.

The Bangladeshi nationals were left at a char on a river in the area on Thursday night (8 May), BSF told Bangladesh's Forest department.

Habibur Rahman, a range assistant at Satkhira range of the Sundarbans, said, "the Bangladeshi nationals walked to the Forest department at Mandarbaria yesterday morning (9 May). They said they went to India at different times for work."

"BSF left them at a char on a river in Mandarbaria after detaining them. The Bangladeshi nationals come from various districts," Habibur added.

Moshiur Rahman, assistant forest conservationist of Satkhira range, said, "Till now, we have received 78 Bangladeshi nationals. Those we have talked to have identified themselves as Bangladeshis. We are examining them. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will take the next steps as the matter is related to the border."

Shah Khaled Imam, assistant commander of Nildumur 17 BGB, said, "The incident happened outside our jurisdiction. The matter will be handled by the Coast Guard."

"However, we have talked to BSF. They have said they did not do such a thing," Commander Imam added.

Meanwhile, Coast Guard West said they have come to know from the Forest department that these people went to India for work some 10-20 years ago.

These people used to do business in India. BSF has left them at Satkhira range of the Sundarbans after their detention. We have sent a ship to rescue the Bangladeshi nationals from the spot. The next steps will be taken according to the decision by the Coast Guard high-ups, Coast Guard said.