The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained 48 Bangladeshis early Thursday morning (July 3) who were pushed into Bangladesh by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) through the Pallathal border area of Borolekha upazila in Moulvibazar district.

With this incident, a total of 463 people have been detained by the BGB in Moulvibazar district for being pushed across the border by the BSF. Among them, 341 were pushed in through Borolekha upazila, 10 through Juri upazila, 21 through Kulaura upazila, 19 through Sreemangal upazila, and 61 through Kamalganj upazila. In addition, several hundred others have crossed the border illegally, but the BGB and local administration have not been able to apprehend them.

According to the 52 BGB Battalion, a patrol team arrested 48 Bangladeshi citizens who had illegally entered Bangladesh from India via the Pallathal Punji area, a sensitive border region under the responsibility of the Pallathal BOP in Borolekha upazila. Among those detained were 15 men, 15 women, and 18 children.

During interrogation, the detainees revealed that they had crossed into India illegally through the border areas of Kurigram and Jashore districts approximately six months to 17 years ago for medical treatment and work. Later, they were pushed back into Bangladesh by the BSF.

Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Ariful Haque Chowdhury, commanding officer of the 52 BGB Battalion, said the detainees are originally from Jashore, Bagerhat, Chapainawabganj, Barguna, Barisal, and Kurigram districts. Upon confirming their identities, appropriate legal action is being taken against them.