BSF struggles to block entry of terrified Bangladeshis

BSF personnel forced to fire warning shots and forma human barrier atan unfenced section of the border

- SUPROTIM MUKHERJEE

The Border Security Force (BSF) is struggling to block the entry of terrified Bangladeshis trying to flee their country, hoping to find shelter in India. Senior BSF officers said that the attempts were being seen from North Bengal to South, particularly in areas where the border is still unfenced. West Bengal shares a 2217-km long border with Bangladesh.

BSF personnel were forced to fire warning shots and form a human barrier at an unfenced section of the border as hundreds of Bangladeshis, mostly politicians and workers of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party, attempted to enter Bengal, fearing for their safety amid targeted violence in their nation.

A former Awami League MP from Kushtia II, Kamarul Arefin, was apprehended while trying to cross over to India through the Benapole-Petrapole border in North 24-Parganas district along with his wife and two daughters. While the ex-MP and his kin had passports, they did not have visas. They appealed to be let into India, fearing for their lives in Bangladesh. While BSF did not comment on the issue, BGB detained him after they were sent back on Wednesday.

BSF sources said North Bengal, in particular, witnessed a massive gathering of Bangladeshis along the international border on Wednesday: ordinary villagers, people from the minority Hindu community, Awami League supporters, all trying to cross over. Panic-stricken Bangladeshis are massing on the border due to the continuing unrest in Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and flight to India on Monday.