Chapainawabganj, June 19 (V7N) — In a pre-dawn incident on Wednesday, India’s Border Security Force (BSF) forcibly pushed 20 Bangladeshi nationals into Bangladesh through the Masudpur border in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj district, despite intense rainfall.

According to Bangladeshi border authorities, the group was pushed across the border near international pillars 4/5-1S by personnel from the 71st Battalion of the BSF, stationed at the Saharpur camp in India.

Among the 20 people were 7 women and 10 children, all of whom were detained by members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) upon entering the country.

Lieutenant Colonel Fahad Mahmud Rinku, commander of the BGB’s 53rd Battalion, stated that the individuals had illegally entered India from Kurigram, Bangladesh, around 10 years ago in search of work. They had been employed at a brick kiln in the Haryana region near New Delhi, he added.

According to BGB, the group was eventually detained by Indian police and held in custody before being repatriated without formal coordination through the proper legal and diplomatic channels. The BGB confirmed that the 20 individuals would be handed over to Shibganj Police Station for further legal procedures and identity verification.

The incident has raised concerns over cross-border repatriation practices and the treatment of undocumented migrant workers in the region. Rights groups have previously criticized both Bangladesh and India for failing to establish consistent protocols for humane and orderly repatriation of migrants.

BGB officials said they have reported the incident through the appropriate diplomatic channels and have requested a flag meeting with the BSF to discuss the issue.

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