India’s Border Security Force (BSF) has pushed 14 Rohingya refugees and 17 Bangladeshi nationals into Bangladesh through two separate points along the Sylhet border, according to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) sources.
The 14 Rohingyas, including four men, four women and six children, were detained by BGB’s 19 Battalion at around 7:45pm on Thursday after they entered through the Bagchhara area near the Lalakhal border of Jaintapur upazila.
Each identified themselves as Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) during initial questioning.
Later, at around 6:30am Friday, BSF also pushed 17 Bangladeshi nationals — five men, five women, and seven children — across the Khandi village border, said Lt Col Mohammad Nazmul Haque, commanding officer of BGB-48 Battalion.
All are reportedly residents of Kurigram district.
India alleges that the Rohingya individuals had entered the country illegally five to six years ago after fleeing refugee camps in Teknaf and Ukhiya. However, Times of Bangladesh has yet to independently verify this claim.
Meanwhile, Lt Col Mohammad Zubayer Anwar of BGB-19 confirmed that both groups were handed over to Jaintapur Model Police Station after identification procedures. Legal measures are underway for the 17 Bangladeshi returnees, while arrangements are being made to send the Rohingyas to official refugee camps.
The BGB said it has strengthened patrols along the border and is in communication with BSF to prevent further such incidents.