BSF Push-In Attempt Blocked by BGB and Alert Locals in Kushtia

An alleged attempt by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to push 12 people into Bangladesh territory through the Pragpur border in Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia district was successfully foiled by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local residents on Friday morning.

According to local residents, the group—comprising four women, four men, and four children—was brought close to the zero line early in the morning for the attempted push-in. 

However, the group ultimately remained inside Indian territory after the illegal entry attempt was blocked by the alert locals and border guards.

Local residents stated that they are working in direct coordination with the BGB to monitor the border round the clock, emphasizing that no illegal entry into Bangladesh will be allowed.

In response to the situation, BGB personnel used loudspeaker announcements along the border to warn against illegal crossings. 

Additionally, the border security force has intensified its patrols and deployed additional forces across 14 Border Outposts (BOPs) in the Daulatpur border area.

Lieutenant Colonel Rashed Kamal Rony, commanding officer of the 47 BGB Battalion, confirmed that regular patrols and surveillance have been heavily strengthened along the frontier. 

"The BSF has made repeated attempts to push in people during night hours, in some cases by turning off border lights," he added. 

The BGB official also revealed that several attempts were made to hold flag meetings with the BSF over the ongoing issue, but no positive response has been received so far. 

The paramilitary force reiterated that its strict surveillance and operations will continue to prevent any illegal entry into Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, this border standoff occurred immediately after the 57th Director General-level Border Coordination Conference between the BGB and BSF concluded in New Delhi on Thursday. 

At the end of the four-day conference, which was held at the BSF Headquarters from June 8 to 11, both sides had reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and security along the Bangladesh-India border. 

During the high-level talks, both delegations focused heavily on executing measures to prevent trans-border crimes, including the smuggling of narcotics, arms, counterfeit currency, gold and other contraband items, as well as curbing illegal border crossings and human trafficking.