BSF stops hundreds of Bangladeshis trying to enter India through Bengal’s Jalpaiguri border

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengal, August 8, 2024: The Border Security Force (BSF) on Wednesday stopped hundreds of Bangladeshi nationals who were attempting to cross into India at the international border in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district.

The fleeing Bangladeshi nationals claimed they were “under attack” in their home country.

According to a BSF official, although the Bangladeshis gathered at the border, they were unable to enter India due to the border being fully sealed.

“They were later taken back by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB),” the official said.

The incident occurred near Dakshin Berubari village in the Jhaportala border outpost area.

The individuals involved were from five villages in Bangladesh’s Panchagarh district, which borders Jalpaiguri.

A local resident reported that those gathered across the barbed wire pleaded to be let in and shared their distressing experiences. “But we are helpless. They recounted their horrific experiences,” the resident said.

The situation in Bangladesh has become increasingly volatile following weeks of violent protests led by students over job quotas, which resulted in the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who subsequently fled the country.

Interim Leader Asks For Calm

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved Parliament and appointed Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to lead an interim government.

On Wednesday, Yunus appealed for calm and urged all parties to work together to rebuild the country after weeks of violence that resulted in hundreds of deaths and Hasina’s resignation.

The Nobel laureate was in Paris for the Olympics when he was appointed interim leader following discussions among military officials, civic leaders, and student activists.

“Violence is our enemy. Please don’t create more enemies. Be calm and get ready to build the country,” he stated.

Yunus made his first public remarks on the French capital before boarding a plane to return home.