Bangladesh, Aug 17: Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained two Bangladeshi nationals early Sunday after India’s Border Security Force (BSF) pushed them across the Patgram border in Lalmonirhat district.
The men were picked up by a BGB patrol from Pradhanpara area near the Paysattibari border outpost under Teesta Battalion-2, said Camp Commander Nayek Subedar Alim Uddin. According to him, troops from BSF’s 98 Battalion in Cooch Behar, West Bengal, forced the men into Bangladeshi territory near border pillar 845.
The detainees were identified as Ranu Molla, 60, from Narail, and Abu Siddique, 54, from Sunamganj. Siddique is physically challenged, BGB confirmed.
Quoting their statements, the BGB official said both men had illegally crossed into India through the Benapole border about a year ago with the help of brokers. They had been surviving by begging in Gujarat until Indian police detained them and handed them to the BSF, which later pushed them back into Bangladesh under cover of darkness.
“They have been handed over to Patgram Police Station, which will verify their identity and take necessary steps,” Uddin said.
Patgram Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mizanur Rahman confirmed the verification process was underway. “They will be reunited with their families after confirmation,” he added.