India’s Border Security Force (BSF) has allegedly pushed 78 Indian nationals into Bangladesh through the riverine border in the Sundarbans' Satkhira Range amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
According to Bangladesh’s Forest Department, the incident took place around 3:00 PM on Friday,when the Indian nationals were forced across the border through the remote Mandarbaria area, located along Satkhira Range of the Sundarbans.
Confirming the incident, Assistant Range Officer of West Sundarbans Satkhira Range, ABM Habibul Islam, stated, “Initially, 60–62 individuals were found to have crossed the river border. The number has now risen to 78 and may increase further.”
The individuals are currently being held at Mandarbaria patrol outpost, where they are undergoing interrogation.
During questioning, the individuals reportedly said they were forced into Bangladeshi territory by BSF personnel, with some also claiming that others were left behind inside the forest on the Indian side.
Habibul Islam added, “The BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) and Coast Guard have been notified about the unauthorized entry. Further action will be taken based on government directives.”
However, no official statement has yet been issued by the BGB.
Later in the evening, around 10:00 PM, Ziaur Rahman, Station Officer at Burigoalini Forest Station, confirmed to The Daily Observer that BSF had initially dropped 32 individuals, with the number gradually increasing to 62 and eventually to 78.
“They are all Muslim men. The BSF is reportedly capturing these individuals from Indian territory and leaving them in remote areas of Bangladesh,” he said.
“We have provided them with food and shelter at Mandarbaria river outpost on humanitarian grounds. Since this is a state-level issue, the next steps will be taken as per government instructions,” Rahman added.
The incident comes amid ongoing hostilities between India and Pakistan, raising questions about regional security, border management, and humanitarian obligations in the face of geopolitical unrest.
