BGB on high alert as ‘BSF tries to push people’ across Benapole border

Border surveillance has been intensified across Jashore, authorities say

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has alleged that the Border Security Force (BSF) of India attempted a push-in at the Sadipur border area of Benapole in Jashore.

According to BGB, eight to 10 men, women and children were gathered near the Jayantipur border in India's North 24 Parganas district, directly opposite the Sadipur border point north of the Benapole international checkpoint, in an apparent attempt to force them into Bangladesh.

Commanding Officer of Jashore's 49 BGB Battalion, Lt Col Md Saiful Islam Khan, said patrols along the border were kept at full strength through the night.

"Due to BGB's alert positioning, BSF could not push those individuals into Bangladesh near border pillar 19/S-6 at the Sadipur straw field area. They are currently being held at the zero line.”

He added that further push-in attempts are expected from different points, while BGB remains on high alert to prevent any illegal entry.

The BGB says patrols and surveillance across border areas of Jashore district have since been further stepped up amid concerns of fresh push-in attempts.

It has written to BSF seeking resolution of the matter, and preparations for a flag meeting between the two forces are currently under way, Lt Col Saiful said.