Indian Border Security Force (BSF) pushed in 18 Bangladeshi nationals through three separate border points in Panchagarh early Wednesday (June 25). 

Members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) later detained them and handed them over to the local police.

According to BGB and police officials, the individuals were pushed in through the Shukoni area in Tetulia upazila and Tokapara and Joydharbhanga border points in Panchagarh Sadar upazila.

Sources said the returnees had been working as laborers in different parts of India. After being detained by Indian police, they were flown to Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri and later sent to the border areas, where BSF members pushed them into Bangladesh.

All 18 individuals are currently in custody of Tetulia and Panchagarh Sadar police stations. 

Authorities said arrangements are being made to hand them over to their respective families.

Tetulia Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Musa Mia confirmed the matter. 

He said five individuals had been handed over by the BGB and would be returned to their families after legal formalities.

Panchagarh Sadar OC Abdullah Hil Zaman said that 13 people were pushed in through two border points in Sadar upazila and handed over by BGB.

Lt. Colonel Mohammad Badruddoza, commanding officer of Nilphamari-56 BGB Battalion, said a total of 13 were pushed in through their area of responsibility, while five others were detained by Panchagarh-18 BGB. All were handed over to police after general diary (GD) entries.

MSK/