BSF Take Back 17 People After Turning Off Border Lights
Photo: Agamir Somoy
Border Security Force (BSF) failed in its attempt to push 17 people into Bangladesh through the Sapahar border in Naogaon.
After nearly 19 hours of continuous attempts, BSF switched off border lights late Friday night and eventually took the group back into Indian territory.
Locals have praised the strong stance of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in preventing the push-in attempt.
Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Ariful Islam Masum, commander of Naogaon 16 BGB Battalion, confirmed the incident to Agamir Somoy on Saturday morning.
According to BGB and local sources, BSF members from the Pannachhara camp attempted to push 17 people into Bangladesh around 7:30 AM on Friday through the Hapaniya border pillar area in Sapahar upazila.
The group included six men, six women, and five children.
After receiving the information, BGB personnel took positions at the scene. Due to strict surveillance and intensified patrols, the BSF attempt was unsuccessful.
The 17 individuals remained in the zero line area throughout the day.
Local resident Mahbub Alam said that BGB personnel were still guarding the area around 11 PM. Later at night, BSF turned off the border lights, after which the 17 people were taken back inside Indian territory. He added that the women, men, and children were seen crying at the time.
He praised BGB’s role in preventing the push-in attempt.
Lieutenant Colonel Masum said surveillance and patrol activities along the border have been further strengthened and operations to prevent illegal push-in will continue.
Earlier on Friday morning, another attempt was made to push the same 17 people into Bangladesh through the Kolmudanga border area of Sapahar, but it was also foiled due to BGB’s strict position.
