The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) returned 18 Bangladeshi nationals to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at Meherpur after they had served prison sentences for crossing into India illegally.
The repatriation took place around 10.30pm on Friday through a flag meeting at Kazipur border in Gangni upazila, near International Main Pillar No. 147. BSF officials, led by Assistant Commandant Sunil Kumar Yadav of the Gandina camp, were present at the handover.
Earlier the same day, four members of a single family, including a child, were sent back in another flag meeting at Mujibnagar border in Meherpur.
The returnees included individuals from 12 districts, among them Mehedi from Patuakhali, Nurjahan from Chuadanga, Farid Sheikh from Narail, Jisan Mondal and Saidul Islam from Jhenaidah, Khokon Bepari from Chandpur, Majeda Dhali, Shamim Hossain, Mithun Ghosh, Khalida Sardar and Milon Kumar from Satkhira, Abdul Quddus from Rajshahi, Ahmed Ali from Jessore, Liton Dev from Moulvibazar, Shubho Majumdar from Chattogram, Swadhin Rajbanshi from Dhaka, Mohiuddin Fakir from Madaripur and Nasima Sheikh from Kushtia.
Subedar Shahab Uddin, company commander of Kazipur BGB camp under the 47 Battalion, said the 18 had been detained by the BSF while attempting to enter India through various border points. After completing their jail terms, they were handed over to Bangladeshi authorities.
The BGB confirmed that the repatriated nationals would be handed to Gangni police station after verification.
Similar returns have taken place recently, with the BSF repatriating 15 Bangladeshis on September 15 and another eight on September 18 through flag meetings at Satkhira’s Toluigacha border.
