Diplomatic Correspondent :
The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), with assistance from local residents, reportedly foiled an attempted push-in of approximately 750 individuals by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) late Thursday night along the Bangladesh-India border in Bijoynagar upazila of Brahmanbaria.
According to both BGB and local sources, the incident was averted through swift action by BGB personnel and the mobilisation of villagers in response to early intelligence regarding the attempt.
BGB intensified patrols in the Nolgorhia and Noabadi border areas under Singarbil Union following indications of possible illegal cross-border movement.
“Given the current situation in the country, we are maintaining maximum alert along the borders,” said Lieutenant Colonel Jabbar Ahmed, Commanding Officer of the 25 BGB Battalion. “Based on confidential reports suggesting an imminent push-in attempt, we took preventive measures and bolstered our presence in the area.”
Sources indicated that around 2:00 am, BSF personnel had gathered approximately 750 individuals near the Singarbil border with the alleged intention of pushing them into Bangladeshi territory. In response, BGB units assumed high-alert positions.
Announcements were made via loudspeakers in local mosques, urging residents to remain vigilant. The warnings triggered concern across nearby villages-including Singarbil, Bishnupur, Nolgorhia, Merasani, and Noabadi-with hundreds of residents arming themselves with improvised weapons and joining BGB forces at the border.
Several villagers also broadcast live video on social media, urging broader community participation. As crowds swelled near the border, BSF personnel reportedly retreated without further escalation.
Eyewitnesses from Nolgorhia and Noabadi villages, including Anis Mia and Fazlul Haque, confirmed heightened anxiety among locals, particularly after mosque announcements warned of a potential breach.
Local authorities, including Bijoynagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sadhana Tripura, also responded promptly. “Residents supported the BGB in resisting the attempted push-in. The situation remains under control, though vigilance continues,” she said.
Md Ataullah, Joint Chief Organiser of the National Citizens Party (NCP), issued a social media call at 3:33 am, urging residents of Singarbil Union to head to the border “with whatever they had” to support national security efforts. His appeal reportedly contributed to the rapid mobilisation of locals.
The event triggered widespread sharing of images and videos online, amplifying public concern throughout the night. Villagers maintained alertness even after the BSF’s withdrawal, while BGB patrols continued into the early hours of Friday.
Lieutenant Colonel Jabbar Ahmed reiterated that surveillance remains high. “We are closely monitoring the situation. There has been no breach thus far, but we are fully prepared to respond if necessary.”
As of Friday morning, no injuries or arrests had been reported. Nonetheless, authorities remain on high alert amid fears of further attempts.
While alleged BSF push-in attempts along the Bangladesh-India border are not unprecedented, the scale of public mobilisation and the responsiveness of BGB in this instance have drawn particular attention.
According to sources, between 4 and 12 May, a total of 245 individuals were allegedly pushed into Bangladesh through five districts. These included 73 through Khagrachari, 46 through Kurigram, 23 through Sylhet, 15 through Moulvibazar, 10 through Chuadanga, and 78 through Satkhira.
Diplomatic sources have expressed serious concern over the recent developments, noting that such actions risk undermining border security and fostering negative public sentiment.
These alleged push-in activities are seen as inconsistent with bilateral agreements, including outcomes from Director General-level talks between BGB and BSF, the Joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines for Border Authorities of 1975, and the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) of 2011.
“Any form of push-in is a clear violation of international norms,” said ALM Fazlur Rahman, former Director General of BGB, speaking to The New Nation. “If a country seeks to repatriate individuals, it must follow established legal protocols. Forcing people across the border without verification is unlawful.”
In response to recent incidents, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh issued a diplomatic note to India on 9 May, formally protesting and urging an immediate cessation of such actions.
Despite this formal communication, there has been no official response or initiative from the Indian side to engage in dialogue on the matter. Bangladeshi authorities have affirmed that BGB remains on maximum alert to prevent further unlawful border crossings.
