India’s Border Security Force (BSF) pushed in 21 more Bangladeshis through the border in Biyanibazar upazila of Sylhet within three days of a similar incident.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained them on Thursday (May 29) morning from the Nowagram border point under Muria union.

The detainees include eight children, eight women, and five men. 

Detainees are - Karamat Sheikh (60), Romesha Begum (55), Kulsum Sheikh (20), Omar Sheikh (2 months), Johura Begum (60), Sohagi Begum (32), Siddiq Shikder (18), Sumaiya Begum (11), Rafi Shikder (9), Hasan Shikder (3), Jewel Shahanur Sheikh (28), Moriyam Khatun (25), Amena Khatun (8), Anar Sheikh (2 months), Taslima Begum (35), Yamin (17), Yasin (5), Yakub (4), Roksana (35), Azgor Ali (40), and Iti Begum (36).

According to BGB sources, a team from Nowagram BOP of the 52 BGB Battalion carried out an early morning operation and found the 21 individuals being pushed in from India. 

This brings the total number of people pushed in through this border area to 53 in one week.

On May 25, when 32 Bangladeshis were pushed in, BGB had increased patrols in the area. Despite the alert status, BSF once again pushed in more people.

BGB temporarily kept the detainees at a shelter and later handed them over to Biyanibazar Police Station.

Lieutenant Colonel Mehedi Hasan PPM, commanding officer of 52 BGB Battalion, said during preliminary questioning, the detainees said they had entered India illegally in search of work. Most are from Narail and Tungipara and had been working as day laborers in India before being detained by Indian police and later sent back through the border.

Biyanibazar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Ashraf Uzzaman confirmed that the 21 individuals were handed over by BGB and sent to court following proper legal procedures.

MSK/