BSF pushes 14 Indians into Bangladesh along Chuadanga border

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) reportedly pushed 14 members of an Indian family, including men, women and children, into Bangladesh along the Chuadanga border on Friday night.

The group has been identified as Gulshan Bibi, 90, Sheikh Jabbar, 70, Alkum Bibi, 65, Sheikh Ukil, 40, Sabera Bibi, 35, Shakila Khatun, 11, Sheikh Hakim, 45, Shamsheri Bibi, 40, Sheikh Raja, 30, Mehrun Bibi, 25, Nasrin Parvin, 12, Sheikh Tawhid, 11, Sheikh Rahid, 2, and Sheikh Bunty, 28.

All of them are currently in the custody of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

According to local sources and the family members, they were pushed through the Nimtala border point under the cover of dense fog. 

The group claimed to be permanent residents of Jagatsinghpur district in Odisha, India, and alleged that they were expelled because of their religious identity. 

They further alleged that Indian authorities confiscated their Aadhaar cards and ration cards before forcing them across the border.

After entering Bangladesh, the family reportedly wandered near the border in a disoriented condition before reaching Darshana bus stand, where local residents provided them with temporary shelter, food and warm clothing. The incident later drew wider attention after information and images circulated on social media.

Following the reports, personnel from Darshana Police Station and BGB’s Chuadanga-6 Battalion took the group into custody to verify their identities and citizenship. Officials said none of them were found to be carrying passports, Aadhaar cards or other valid identity documents. BGB is now coordinating with the BSF and relevant authorities to verify the claims.

Confirming the incident, Lieutenant Colonel M Nazmul Hasan, commanding officer of Chuadanga BGB, said the family has been provided with food, warm clothing and basic medical care.

He added that legal steps would be taken after completion of identity verification and consultations with higher authorities.

Hossain Malik/MHK/NMA