Toddler among 12 left in limbo after BGB-BSF border talks yield no solution in Kushtia
BSF denies push-in allegations and refuses to take back the group, while BGB formally protests and seeks a resolution
A flag meeting between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India's Border Security Force (BSF) over an alleged push-in incident at the Bilgatuya border in Kushtia ended without a resolution today (13 June), leaving 12 people, including women and children, stranded at the border's zero line.
The meeting was held at 9:30am near border pillar 150/3-S in Daulatpur upazila, confirmed Lieutenant Colonel Rashed Kamal Rony, commanding officer of Kushtia-47 BGB.
Following the discussions, the BGB official said the BSF had denied the push-in allegation during today's meeting and requested time to investigate the matter.
However, the BGB remained vigilant in safeguarding the border and would take all necessary measures to protect Bangladesh's interests, he added.
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The six-member BGB delegation was led by Nurul Huda, deputy commander of Kushtia-47 BGB, while the BSF team was headed by Sunil Kumar Yadav, commander of the Raninagar Company.
According to BGB officials, the BSF denied allegations that it had pushed the 12 people into Bangladesh through the Daulatpur border. The Indian border force also declined to take the group back into its custody.
Following the denial, BGB lodged a formal protest. In response, the BSF sought time to investigate the matter and said it would communicate its decision later.
As a result, the 12 individuals continue to remain at the zero line for the time being.
The alleged push-in attempt took place around 5:30am yesterday (12 June) when 12 people, including women and children, were reportedly brought to the border and forced towards Bangladesh.
After being alerted by locals, BGB personnel reached the area and prevented their entry into Bangladesh. The group then took shelter near the zero line on the Indian side of the border.
The stranded individuals claimed they had been detained in the Indian state of Kerala before being transported to the Bilgatuya border and allegedly forced towards Bangladesh by the BSF. However, the attempt was thwarted due to the intervention of BGB personnel and local residents.
A flag meeting between the two border forces had initially been scheduled for 4pm yesterday but did not take place.
BGB alleged that the meeting collapsed because of BSF's lack of cooperation, forcing the group to spend the night at the border.
