At least 123 individuals, including Rohingyas and Bangla-speaking persons, were detained by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) yesterday after being pushed into the country from India through border points in Kurigram and Khagrachhari. The detainees are currently in BGB custody while authorities work to verify their identities, according to BGB Director General Maj Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui.
The BGB has issued a high alert along the border and lodged a formal protest with India’s Border Security Force (BSF), warning against such unauthorized push-ins. Flag meetings have also been initiated at various levels with BSF counterparts.
Of the 123, 44 were detained in Kurigram, including 35 identified as Rohingyas, with 30 from Roumari and 14 from Bhurungamari upazilas. In Khagrachhari, 79 Bangla-speaking individuals were intercepted—27 at Shantipur, 22 at Taitong, and 30 at the Panchhari border points.
Local accounts indicate many of the individuals were flown from Gujarat to Agartala before being forced across the border. One resident of Shantipur reported that BSF troops allegedly warned the group never to return, threatening to shoot them if they did.
BGB’s commanding officers in both Kurigram and Khagrachhari confirmed that the detainees, including women and children, are being monitored and processed in coordination with law enforcement and administrative authorities.
BGB chief Maj Gen Siddiqui said, “These individuals entered without IDs or passports. Their backgrounds are under verification. We have heightened surveillance and reinforced patrols in response.”
Meanwhile, the Police Headquarters has issued a security alert to superintendents in 31 bordering districts, in response to both the illegal crossings and the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan. Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam emphasized the need for “every possible effort” to safeguard national security, noting the vulnerability of Bangladesh's porous borders.
National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman also confirmed that Dhaka is reaching out to New Delhi to discuss the push-in incidents. He clarified that each case is being assessed individually, stating, “If they are confirmed to be Bangladeshi citizens, we will accept them—but only through proper channels. Forced entry is unacceptable.”
As of now, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs are jointly working to address the situation, while BGB maintains full border vigilance.
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