BSF removes people gathered for push-in at Benapole border

The Indian Border Security Force has removed the 10-12 women, men and children who had been gathered near the zero line for a forced push-in at the Sadipur border in Benapole. They were taken away on Wednesday morning, June 3.

Following their removal, the Border Guard Bangladesh has also withdrawn additional personnel from the border, and normal patrolling has resumed in the area.

Tension had persisted for three days between BGB and BSF over the push-in attempt since Sunday night. During this time, the stranded individuals had been living a miserable existence under the open sky in the forest.

BSF had attempted to push them into Bangladesh without following bilateral protocols. However, BGB refused to accept them as there was no proof of their Bangladeshi citizenship.

Earlier on Sunday night, BSF had gathered 100-120 people in three trucks on the Indian side and attempted a push-in, but BGB's tough stance thwarted the attempt.

Commander of Jashore-49 BGB Battalion, Lt Col Golam Mohammad Saiful Alam Khan, said patrolling was intensified after intelligence indicated a possible push-in attempt. Despite BSF opening the barbed wire fence and releasing 10-12 people near the zero line, BGB did not allow them to enter Bangladesh. The group has not been seen since Wednesday morning.