Two Bangladeshi school students were returned from Indian Border Security Force (BSF) custody after eight hours following a flag meeting between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and BSF in the Panchagarh border area.
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when BSF personnel from the Moricha camp of the 132 Battalion detained the two students from the Mistripara Patshiri border area under Gharinabari Union in Panchagarh Sadar upazila.
The students were identified as Indra, 14, son of Shibu Chandra Roy, and Uday, 14, son of Somaru Chandra Roy of Atwari upazila.
Both are students of Roshia High School in grades six and nine respectively.
According to local sources, the two had visited a relative’s house and went near the border pillar area (Main Pillar 417, Sub Pillar 9) to take photographs.
They reportedly crossed into Indian territory inadvertently, after which BSF personnel detained them.
Eyewitnesses alleged that the students were also assaulted during the detention.
Following the incident, BGB-18 Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Mohammad Kayes confirmed that the students were handed over to Bangladesh after a flag meeting between BGB and BSF.
He said timely coordination between the border forces facilitated their return within hours.
Gharinabari Union Parishad Chairman Monowar Hossain Dipu also credited the swift response of BGB officials for the prompt return of the students.
