BGB says it thwarted 10 push-in attempts from India in 24 hours

Border patrols and intelligence surveillance remain on high alert to prevent any illegal entries

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Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has claimed to have foiled 10 separate attempts by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to push people across the border through different points over the past 24 hours.

It says surveillance and patrol operations have been intensified to prevent further such incidents.

On Thursday, the paramilitary force said in a statement that “it remains on maximum alert and is carrying out its duties with professionalism to ensure border security”.

The BGB listed the following incidents:

· In Jhenaidah, under the jurisdiction of the Moheshpur Battalion (58 BGB), a patrol team prevented four to five individuals from illegally entering Bangladesh near the Jadabpur border. The individuals returned to Indian territory after facing resistance from BGB personnel.

· In the Samanta border outpost area of Moheshpur, BSF personnel allegedly attempted to push around 30-35 people into Bangladesh using a prison van after opening a border gate. Immediate resistance from BGB patrol members and local residents forced the BSF to take the individuals away.

· In Jashore’s Goga and Rudrapur border areas under the Khulna Battalion (21 BGB), several men and women were seen gathering near the frontier for a possible push-in. BGB’s preventive measures reportedly prompted the BSF to remove them from the area.

· In Joypurhat under Battalion (20 BGB), about 10 people were reportedly assembled inside Indian territory near Koya and Basudebpur borders in preparation for a push-in attempt, which was later foiled due to increased vigilance and intelligence monitoring.

· In Chapainawabganj, under Battalion (53 BGB), intelligence and social media sources indicated that four Muslim citizens whose names had reportedly been removed from a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) list, a voter list update/verification process used in India, were being held at three holding centres near BSF camps for possible push-in. The BGB said it has strengthened its position and monitoring in the area.

· Near the Haripur border in Thakurgaon under Battalion (50 BGB), two Bangladeshi nationals were reportedly detained by BSF’s Kakromoni camp patrol. The BGB said no formal communication has yet been received from the BSF on the matter.

· Near the Rowshanpur border in Panchagarh under Battalion (18 BGB), one person was allegedly pushed into Bangladesh by BSF and was detained by locals before being handed over to the BGB. He was later sent back to India following verification.

· In the Sonamasjid border area under Mahananda Battalion (59 BGB), information suggested that 22 people held at a holding centre established by Indian police in Chandan Park under English Bazar Police Station in Malda district were being prepared for transfer to the BSF for a possible push-in. The BGB said surveillance remains tight.

· Near the Utmachhara border in Sylhet under Battalion (48 BGB), locals detained two suspected individuals and handed them over to the BGB. After verification, they were identified as Indian nationals and pushed back following due process.

· Near the Kochugora border in Netrokona under Battalion (31 BGB), 15–20 individuals were reportedly gathered inside Indian territory near Balishi Gitaram Government Primary School in Assam for a possible push-in attempt. The BGB said it remains on high alert due to absence of fencing in parts of the border.

Referring to the incidents, the force said no person or group would be allowed to enter Bangladesh illegally through the border.

Any push-in attempt that violates international border management norms, existing laws and bilateral understandings will be “firmly resisted”, it added.

It also said intelligence surveillance, patrols and operational activities have been strengthened to safeguard sovereignty and border security.