Multiple push-in attempts by BSF foiled along border: BGB
BGB patrol members took position along the zero line and prevented their entry, forcing them to return to Indian territory.
The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) foiled attempts by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) to push some 86 people into Bangladesh through separate border points in five districts between yesterday and this morning (6 June).
The BGB and locals blocked an alleged attempted push-in by the BSF as the Indian force tried to push seven people into Bangladesh through the Tetulbaria border under Gangni upazila of Meherpur, reports Prothom Alo.
The incident occurred this morning (6 June) near main border pillar No 104 along the Bangladesh-India border.
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Residents said the BSF opened a gate in the border fence during the early hours of the morning and directed the group comprising three men, three women and one child towards Bangladesh.
As the individuals attempted to cross into Bangladeshi territory, they were confronted by BGB personnel and villagers, who acted together to prevent their entry.
Facing unified resistance, the individuals were unable to cross into Bangladesh and retreated to the Indian side of the fence.
Afterwards, additional BGB personnel were deployed to the area.
Mustafizur Rahman, commander of the Tetulbaria BGB camp, said any attempt at illegal entry or cross-border "push-ins" will be dealt with firmly.
The BGB remains on maximum alert and surveillance along the border has been strengthened, he said.
The BGB members also prevented push-in attempts through the bordering areas of Netrakona, Naogaon, Lalmonirhat, Panchagah and Jhenaidah district, said Shariful Islam, media officer of BGB headquarters, today.
According to the statement, BGB members from Maheshpur Battalion (BGB 58) in Jhenaidah foiled an attempt by three individuals to enter Bangladesh from India through Jadabpur border.
BGB patrol members took position along the zero line and prevented their entry, forcing them to return to Indian territory.
In Naogaon, the members of BGB 16 Battalion obstructed the entry of 17 individuals into Bangladesh through the Karamdanga border.
Meanwhile, in Lalmonirhat, BGB members under Teesta Battalion (BGB 61) prevented the illegal entry of 21 people into Bangladesh from India along Barkhata and Poyshottibari border areas in Hatibandha and Patgram upazilas of the district.
Besides, BGB members under Lalmonirhat Battalion (15 BGB) stopped an attempt to push seven individuals into Bangladesh through the Dighaltari border area.
The same battalion also thwarted another attempt involving four people at the Durgapur border.
The BGB said they are currently staying in a char area on the Indian side outside the barbed-wire fence, while security forces continue close monitoring of the situation.
In Panchagarh, Indian authorities reportedly brought 10 individuals to an area outside the Barobari Pradhanpara border area in Panchagarh under Nilphamari Battalion (56 BGB), border fence.
A flag meeting was subsequently held between BGB and the Border Security Force (BSF) at the company commander level.
During the meeting, BSF claimed that the individuals were Bangladeshi nationals but failed to provide supporting evidence, according to the BGB statement. The matter remains under close observation.
Meanwhile, 16 to 17 individuals who had earlier been gathered at a government primary school in Assam's Mahadev Police Station area opposite the Kochugora border under Netrokona Battalion (31 BGB) were relocated to an area adjacent to BSF's Chikni camp opposite the Lengura border due to BGB's firm position.
The border force said it is maintaining heightened vigilance in the area and closely monitoring developments
Reiterating its position, BGB said any attempt to push people across the border in violation of international border management norms, existing laws and bilateral understandings between Bangladesh and India is unacceptable.
No individual or group will be allowed to enter Bangladesh illegally through the border, the force said, adding that it remains fully committed to protecting the country's sovereignty and border security and is prepared to deal with any situation.
