24 Bangladeshi nationals repatriated from India via Kurigram border

Twenty-four Bangladeshi nationals, including women and children, who were detained by India's Border Security Force (BSF) while returning from New Delhi, were formally handed over to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at Balatari border in Kurigram early today.

The handover followed a flag meeting between the two border forces at 1:30am near pillar 932 along the Balatari border in Phulbari upazila, Kurigram.

The Indian side was led by Assistant Commandant SHL Simti of the BSF Battalion-3, while Major Hasnain, second-in-command of the BGB Battalion-15 in Lalmonirhat, represented Bangladesh.

Also present during the hour-long meeting were Naodanga Union Parishad Chairman Hasen Ali; members Abdul Alim and Mahir Uddin; Nayek Subedar Saidur Rahman, commander of the Balarhat BGB outpost; and 10 personnel from each border force.

Following verification of their identities, the 24 detainees --comprising eight men, eight women and eight children--were officially repatriated and later handed over to their families through local representatives.

Nayek Subedar Saidur Rahman said the BSF had initially gathered a group of people at the Karola camp as they had been working in India.

Upon hearing the information, Lt Col Mehedi Imam, commander of the Lalmonirhat BGB battalion, issued a strong message to the BSF, saying that no one would be allowed to enter Bangladesh without proper verification of citizenship.

In response, the BSF submitted a list of 24 individuals believed to be Bangladeshi nationals. After their identities were confirmed, a flag meeting was arranged, and the group was accepted and subsequently reunited with their families.

Shahidul Islam, brother of one of the returnees named Jahidul Islam, said, "My brother went to Delhi in search of work 20 years ago. On his way back, he was detained by BSF. We are grateful to the BGB for their efforts in bringing him and three of his family members back."

Speaking to The Daily Star, Major Hasnain of the 15 BGB Battalion said, "The repatriation was carried out through proper procedures and in cooperation with local authorities."