As many as 12 Bangladeshi nationals including four females and seven children are languishing at Mian para in Kamalasagar area along Indo-Bangla border in Tripura since July 11 last.
In a press release, BSF said, on July 11, 2020 at about 1800 hrs, 12 persons (01 Males, 04 Females and 07 Children, Total – 12) were traced near Border Pillar No. 2039/12-S. During enquiry by BSF party, they revealed that they all are resident of Vill- Harikula, PS- Chandina, Distt- Cumilla, Bangladesh.
BSF party sensitized them about the International Boundary and Indian Territory and directed them to revert back to Bangladesh territory.
In the meantime, Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) party also reached at the spot. Subsequently, a Coy Comdr level flag meeting was held with BGB BOP Kasba on the same day. During the meeting, BGB Comdr denied to accept those 12 Bangladeshi Nationals as they were not in possession of any valid documents to establish their identity as BD Nationals.
However, BGB assured that verification of their addresses will be carried out and thereafter suitable decision will be taken.
Simultaneously, Battalion Comdr Level contact was established with Commanding Officer, 60 BGB on phone on same day, during which BGB was apprised to take back those 12 Bangladeshi Nationals on the basis of their home address revealed by them. But, no satisfactory reply was received from BGB.
Subsequently, Battalion Comdr Level Flag meeting was held on July 14, 2020, during which BSF handed over supporting documents as evidence proving the identity of above 12 stranded BD Nationals like their photographs, home address, family tree chart and one CD containing voice and videos conversation between Kulsum Bibi with her son, who is residing in Bangladesh. But, still BGB did not respond with some positive outcome.
As per the understanding between the BSF and BGB, women and children apprehended at the International Border have to be handed over/accepted by BGB/BSF, subject to confirmation of their nationality, immediately after apprehension, treating them as victims of human trafficking.
However, Bangladesh authorities have been delaying such confirmation despite evidences handed over to BGB by BSF during the Commandant level flag meeting.
Resultantly, all the 12 Bangladeshi Nationals are still stranded on the International Boundary and they have been provided with basic amenitiesby BSF and locals on humanitarian grounds.
