Border standoff: 10 stranded in Panchagarh for over 36 hours

Ten people, including women and children, remained stranded at the zero line along the Panchagarh border for more than 36 hours today (6 June) after efforts by border forces of Bangladesh and India failed to resolve a standoff over an alleged push-in attempt.

According to local sources and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), members of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) attempted to push the group into Bangladesh through the Barabari Pradhanpara border area in Harivasa union of Panchagarh Sadar upazila early Friday.

However, BGB personnel prevented their entry and refused to accept them, maintaining its stance against any form of push-in. The BSF also did not take the group back, leaving them stranded at the border.

A flag meeting between BGB and BSF officials was held on Saturday in an effort to resolve the situation, but no agreement was reached.

The group has been staying near the zero line on the Indian side of the border since Friday morning. After enduring intense heat during the day, they spent the night in heavy rain under the open sky

Local residents expressed concern over their condition, particularly that of the women and children.

“It was difficult even for people indoors to cope with the heavy rain and thunderstorms throughout the night. They had to remain outside with no shelter,” said a local resident, urging the authorities concerned to find a quick solution.

BGB sources said patrol members stopped the alleged push-in attempt soon after it began on Friday. A company commander-level flag meeting was later held, but the issue remained unresolved.

Commanding Officer of the Nilphamari 56 BGB Battalion, Lt Col Md Sirajul Islam, said BGB would not accept any kind of push-in.

“Border surveillance and patrol activities have been strengthened round the clock,” he said.