10 stranded at zero line for 30 hours, neither Bangladesh nor India accepting them

Ten women, men and children who were pushed to the zero line by the Indian Border Security Force at the Borbari border in Panchagarh have been stranded in uncertainty for over 30 hours. Unable to enter Bangladesh and unable to return to India, they are enduring a humanitarian crisis at the border.

According to local sources, the BSF attempted to push the 10 individuals into Bangladesh early on Friday, June 5. However, BGB personnel on duty prevented them from entering. A flag meeting was held at the company commander level, but no solution was reached. The BSF refused to take them back, leaving them stranded at the zero line.

More than 30 hours later, their fate remains uncertain. Bangladeshi authorities have refused to accept them, calling it an illegal push-in attempt. Indian authorities have also not taken them back.

Locals said the group had to stay under the open sky during heavy rain on Friday night, suffering from a shortage of food and clean drinking water. There were reports of them collecting rainwater to drink.

Commander of Nilphamari 56 BGB Battalion, Lt Col Md Sirajul Islam, said the BSF attempted to push the 10 individuals into Bangladesh. Although a flag meeting was held, the BSF refused to take them back. They are currently on Indian territory inside India, he said.

He added that BGB has intensified surveillance and patrols to prevent any push-in or illegal infiltration at the border.

The prolonged stranding of the group, including women and children, has raised concern among locals, who have demanded a swift resolution and assurance of their safety from a humanitarian perspective.