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Published : 07 Jun 2026, 09:33 PM
Ten people allegedly pushed into Bangladesh by India's Border Security Force (BSF) have spent more than 62 hours stranded in no man's land along the South Pradhanpara border in Panchagarh, with neither side agreeing to take them in.
The group of five men, two women and three children has been living in the open since Friday morning, exposed to rain and scorching heat.
A flag meeting between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the BSF on Saturday failed to resolve the issue.
According to BGB officials, the BSF attempted to push the group into Bangladesh again on Sunday, but the move was blocked by Bangladeshi border guards.
Both forces have since reinforced their positions in the area and remain on alert to prevent any escalation.
A visit to the border on Sunday found the group sitting on a narrow raised strip of land at the zero line, without shelter or basic facilities.
The area was waterlogged following recent rainfall.
Residents from nearby villages have been gathering daily to observe the situation from a distance, although they are unable to approach the stranded group because of security restrictions.
Locals said the group had endured heavy rain on Friday night and may have already run out of food and drinking water.
“It is heartbreaking to see women and children suffering like this for three days,” said resident Rafiqul Islam.
“We want to help, but the border situation does not always allow it. The big question is how long they will be left there.”
Schoolteacher Azizul Islam questioned who would bear responsibility if anything happened to those stranded.
“If humanitarian laws exist, why are people being left in such a situation?” he said.
Lt Col Md Sirajul Islam, commanding officer of the 56 BGB Battalion in Nilphamari, said he had urged the commander of the BSF's 93 Battalion to take the group back during talks, but the request was rejected.
“If anyone is to be repatriated, it must be done through immigration checkpoints and in accordance with international law and established procedures,” he said.
“Push-ins are unacceptable under any circumstances.”
