Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified patrols along the Satkhira border amid allegations of a pushback attempt by India’s Border Security Force (BSF).
Lieutenant Colonel Kazi Ashiqur Rahman, commanding officer of Satkhira 33 BGB, warned that any attempt to push back alleged Bangladeshi nationals without following border laws would be resisted. He said BGB patrols continued even during the deep night in border areas.
He added that BGB personnel remained on alert throughout the night. He said the force was fully prepared to respond to any situation. He also said the increased vigilance had prevented any pushback, but residents in border areas had developed concern due to the situation.
Kazi Ashiqur Rahman further said surveillance had been strengthened and additional forces deployed to increase patrol activities. He warned that any attempt by BSF to violate international border law and carry out pushbacks would be resisted.
Meanwhile, BGB also continued public announcements in border areas as part of heightened alert measures.
According to Indian media reports, several alleged Bangladeshi nationals were gathered at the Hakimpur border under Baduria police station in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. They were reportedly handed over to BSF by Indian police for pushback procedures.
Indian media reports also stated that the individuals identified themselves as Bangladeshis, claiming they had homes in Bangladesh.
They reportedly said some had been working in India for six months, some for six years, and others for up to 20 years. They also alleged that following a change of government in West Bengal, Muslims were facing harassment, which forced them to leave the country out of fear.
