United News of Bangladesh

India’s Border Security Force (BSF) on Friday handed over two Bangladesh police personnel who were detained near the Bangladesh-India border in Brahmanpara upazila of Cumilla while conducting an anti-narcotics operation. Assistant Sub-Inspector Md Imran Hossain and Constable Rohit Dewan of Brahmanpara Police Station were handed over to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) around 1:30pm following a flag meeting between the two sides near main border pillar No. 2057 in the Narayanpur border area. Commanding Officer of Sultanpur Battalion (60 Battalion) Lt Col SM Shariful Islam, commander of Shashidal Border Outpost Subedar Mohammad Takbir Hossain, Assistant Superintendent of Police (Debidwar Circle) Md Shahin and Brahmanpara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Faruk Hossain attended the meeting. The incident took place around 11:30pm on Thursday in the Ashabari area of Shashidal union, near border pillar No. 2059. The two policemen had gone to the border area to conduct an anti-narcotics drive when a suspected drug trader tried to flee after spotting them. Rohit chased the suspect but was detained by several Indian nationals near the border. When Imran went to retrieve his colleague, he was also detained. Senior officials of the BGB and BSF held discussions over the incident before the two policemen were handed over, according to officials.

Two members of Bangladesh Police were detained by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) near the Bangladesh-India border in Brahmanpara upazila of Cumilla while conducting an anti-narcotics operation, police said. The incident took place around 11:30pm on Thursday in the Ashabari area of Shashidal union, near border pillar No. 2059. According to Brahmanpara Police Station, the detainees are Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Imran Hossain and Constable Rohit Dewan, both posted to the police station. They went to the border area to conduct an anti-narcotics drive when a suspected drug trader tried to flee after spotting the police. Rohit chased the suspect but was caught by several Indian nationals near the border. When Imran went to bring his colleague back, he was also detained. Md Faruk Hossain, officer-in-charge of Brahmanpara Police Station, said senior officials of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the BSF were in contact over the incident. He expressed hope that the BSF will hand over the two cops by this noon.

The body of a Bangladeshi national who was shot dead by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has been handed over to Border Guard Bangladesh through Thakurgaon border. The deceased was Asadul Haque, 38, son of Abdul Wazed of South Indrail village in Pirganj upazila. Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Al Moin, commander of Dinajpur 42 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), said the BGB held a flag meeting with the BSF to facilitate the repatriation of Asadul's body. The flag meeting was held at the zero line of the Chanderhat border on Sunday afternoon, with representatives of the Dinajpur 42 BGB and the Indian BSF. During the meeting, the two sides discussed the prompt repatriation of Asadul's body. Following legal formalities, the BSF handed over the body to the BGB at around 10pm on Sunday, he said. Meanwhile, two other Bangladeshi nationals, Mostakim and Sri Uda, who survived the shooting, remain in Indian custody. They were charged under India's Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. They were later produced before the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Raiganj in India which ordered that they be held in judicial custody for 14 days. Mostakim, son of Ahed Ali, and Sri Uda, son of Narayan, are both from North Indrail village in the same upazila. According to local residents and BGB sources, several Bangladeshi youths entered Indian territory near border pillar No. 333, under the jurisdiction of the Chanderhat Border Outpost (BOP), in the early hours of Saturday. At that time, a patrol team of the BSF's 63 Chakshibananda camp in India's North Dinajpur district opened fire on them. Asadul, Mostakim and Sri Uda were injured in the firing. BSF personnel later rescued them and took them to Kaliaganj State General Hospital in North Dinajpurwhere Asadul died.

The Border Security Force (BSF) of India took back six men into Indian territory late Thursday after failing to push them into Bangladesh through the Ramdaspur border in Gomostapur upazila. The six men were taken back at around 10:45pm, said Lt Col Mohammad Ariful Islam Masum, commander of Naogaon 16 BGB Battalion. Earlier around 6:30am, personnel of the Shamshernagar BSF Camp under India's 12 BSF Battalion attempted to push the six men into Bangladesh through an area near Border Pillar No. 216. A patrol team of the Ramdaspur Border Outpost under the Naogaon BGB Battalion noticed the attempt and prevented the push-in. The men then remained on the Indian side of the zero line, around 150 yards inside India. By late Thursday night, no movement or presence of the six men was observed in the area, the BGB commander said. He said the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) was closely monitoring the situation and maintaining heightened vigilance along the border.  

Members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) prevented India's Border Security Force (BSF) from installing cement boundary posts near the Patgram border in Lalmonirhat, prompting the BSF to retreat, officials said on Tuesday. The incident took place on Monday afternoon in the Poyshottibari border area under Sreerampur Union of Patgram upazila, between Border Pillars 845/1-S and 845/2-S, within the jurisdiction of Poyshottibari Border Outpost (BOP) under the 61 BGB Battalion. Assistant Director of the 61 BGB Battalion Karimul Islam confirmed the incident in a press release issued on Tuesday. According to BGB and local sources, members of the BSF's Panishala-1 Camp of the 98 Battalion, assisted by Indian nationals, removed previously installed bamboo posts in the Panishala area of Harikamata village under Mekhliganj Police Station in Cooch Behar district, about 100 metres inside Indian territory from the zero line. They then began installing new cement posts measuring around three to four feet in height. On receiving the information, a BGB patrol team rushed to the spot and objected to the installation, after which the BSF personnel withdrew from the area. Legally, any construction that either side engages in within 150 metres of either side of the zero line must be preceded by mutual consultations. BGB said it has intensified patrols and remains on maximum alert along the border following the incident.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday told Parliament that among 2,369 people, pushed into Bangladesh by Indian BSF since August 5, 2024, 2,175 were handed over to respective police stations, 11 were returned to the BSF and 183 were pushed back through border. Replying to a starred question from lawmaker Mohammad Abdul Malik (Sylhet-3), he also said the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has thwarted 36 attempted push-ins by the BSF following the West Bengal Assembly elections in India. Responding to a question from MP Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas (Pabna-5), the Minister said initiatives have been taken to construct barbed-wire fencing along the Myanmar border to strengthen security and curb border killings, illegal infiltration, drug trafficking, arms smuggling and other transnational crimes. He said fencing at sensitive points along the Bangladesh-India border is currently under consideration. Answering a question from reserved-seat MP Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Salahuddin said smuggled goods worth Tk 19.79 billion have been seized from June 2025 to May 2026. During the period, the BGB conducted 375,519  drives along border areas and recovered 18.38 million Yaba pills, 55,908 bottles of Phensidyl, 18,463 kilograms of cannabis and 106,709 bottles of foreign liquor. The force also seized 15.577 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as Ice, 2.08 kilograms of cocaine and 62 bottles of LSD. A total of 2,189 suspects were arrested during the drives, he added. In response to a question from MP Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal (Kishoreganj-5), the Minister said the Department of Narcotics Control conducted 30,744 anti-drug operations nationwide between February 17 and May 31, filed 9,251 cases and arrested 9,685 drug traffickers. He said a nationwide special operation against drugs and terrorism has been underway since May 1 following the government directives. Up to June 8, law enforcement agencies have arrested 10,865 people in 7,688 drug-related cases and recovered large quantities of narcotics. The operation also led to the recovery of 125 illegal firearms and the arrest of 269 people in connection with arms-related offences, he added. Replying to a question from MP A E Sultan Mahmud (Jamalpur-2), Salahuddin said Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken various measures to curb juvenile gang activities and ensure public safety in the capital. He said the DMP's cyber unit has been monitoring Facebook pages, secret groups and TikTok accounts operated by juvenile gangs. The Minister also informed Parliament that Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-2 has conducted 119 anti-mugging drives in Mohammadpur since August 5, 2024 and arrested 252 suspected muggers. Responding to a question from MP Abul Hasnat (Cumilla-4), Salahuddin said the country's 75 prisons have an approved capacity of 45,136 inmates, including 43,107 men and 2,029 women. However, the current prison population stands at 77,040, comprising 74,963 men and 2,077 women, which is about 1.7 times more than the authorised capacity. In reply to a question from reserved-seat MP Selina Sultana, he said prisoners receive 50 per cent of the profits generated from the sale of goods produced inside prisons. Answering a question from reserved-seat MP Arifa Sultana, the Minister said the government, along with the Bangladesh Police, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, intelligence agencies and other relevant organisations, is working to block online gambling and betting platforms and protect the public, particularly young people, from their harmful effects. He said the government has initiated the process of enacting a new law titled the Gambling Prevention Act 2026, replacing the century-old Public Gambling Act of 1867, to curb the spread of online gambling, betting apps and websites across the country.  

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday described the killing of innocent Bangladeshi citizens by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) along the border as deeply unfortunate and a clear violation of human rights. “The killing of innocent Bangladeshi nationals by the BSF is extremely regrettable and constitutes a clear violation of human rights,” he told Parliament. Responding to a written question from ruling party MP Nilufar Chowdhury Moni (Women Seat-10), the Minister said Bangladesh has consistently protested the use of lethal weapons by the BSF along the border and has continued to press for accountability and compensation through diplomatic and bilateral engagements. He said the issue has been raised strongly by Bangladesh during border conferences held between the chiefs of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the BSF. Salahuddin Ahmed said there has been no specific institutional discussion or formal agreement under which the Government of India directly provides financial assistance to the families of Bangladeshis killed in BSF firing incidents along the border. However, he said Bangladesh has repeatedly voiced strong objections during bilateral meetings to the BSF’s practice of using lethal weapons under the pretext of self-defence. Through these engagements, Bangladesh has also indirectly exerted pressure regarding compensation and accountability for such incidents. Highlighting the outcomes of discussions between the two countries on border killings, the Minister said Bangladesh’s sustained diplomatic and strategic efforts have yielded some positive commitments from the Indian side. Under continued pressure from Bangladesh, the BSF has on several occasions pledged to refrain from using lethal weapons and instead employ non-lethal means in managing border situations. He also said that cooperation between the BGB and BSF has been strengthened to reduce border deaths and curb cross-border crimes. As part of these efforts, night-time joint patrols have been increased in vulnerable and sensitive border areas to enhance surveillance and prevent untoward incidents. The Minister further informed Parliament that mechanisms have been put in place to address any unexpected border incidents promptly through flag meetings at the company and battalion commander levels. “Whenever any undesirable incident occurs along the border, local-level flag meetings between the respective commanders are convened swiftly to bring the situation under control and prevent escalation,” he said. Bangladesh has long maintained that the use of deadly force against unarmed civilians along the border is unacceptable and has repeatedly called on India to adopt a policy of zero deaths at the frontier.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) foiled attempts by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) to push 79 people into Bangladesh through separate border points in five districts over the past 24 hours till Saturday morning. The BGB members prevented push-in attempts through the bordering areas of  Netrakona, Naogaon, Lalmonirhat, Panchagah and Jhenaidah district, said Shariful Islam, media officer of BGB headquarters on Saturday.  According to the statement, the BGB members form Maheshpur Battalion (BGB-58) in Jhenaidah foiled attempt of three individuals to enter Bangladesh from India through Jadabpur border.  BGB patrol members took position along the zero line and prevented their entry, forcing them to return to Indian territory. In Naogaon, the members of BGB-16 Battalion obstructed entry of 17 individuals into Bangladesh through Karamdanga border.  Meanwhile, in Lalmonirhat, the BGB members under Teesta Battalion (BGB-61) prevented illegal entry of 21 people into Bangladesh from India along Barkhata and Poyshottibari border areas in Hatibandha and Patgram upazilas of the district. Besides, BGB members under the Lalmonirhat Battalion (15 BGB) stopped an attempt to push seven individuals into Bangladesh through the Dighaltari border area.  The same battalion also thwarted another attempt involving four people at the Durgapur border.  BGB said they were currently staying in a char area on the Indian side outside the barbed-wire fence, while security forces continue close monitoring of the situation. In Panchagarh, Indian authorities reportedly brought 10 individuals to an area outside Barobari Pradhanpara border area in Panchagarh under Nilphamari Battalion (56 BGB), border fence.  A flag meeting was subsequently held between BGB and the Border Security Force (BSF) at the company commander level. During the meeting, BSF claimed that the individuals were Bangladeshi nationals but failed to provide supporting evidence, according to the BGB statement. The matter remains under close observation. Meanwhile, 16 to 17 individuals who had earlier been gathered at a government primary school in Assam's Mahadev Police Station area opposite the Kochugora border under Netrokona Battalion (31 BGB) were relocated to an area adjacent to BSF’s Chikni camp opposite the Lengura border due to BGB’s firm position. The border force said it is maintaining heightened vigilance in the area and closely monitoring developments. Reiterating its position, BGB said any attempt to push people across the border in violation of international border management norms, existing laws and bilateral understandings between Bangladesh and India is unacceptable. No individual or group will be allowed to enter Bangladesh illegally through the border, the force said, adding that it remains fully committed to protecting the country's sovereignty and border security and is prepared to deal with any situation.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has said it has foiled 10 separate attempts by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to push individuals into Bangladesh through different borders in the past 24 hours till 6:00am on Thursday. In a press release, the force said it remains on highest alert, maintaining heightened intelligence surveillance and patrol operations across the frontier to prevent any unauthorised entry. According to the BGB, in Jhenaidah’s Maheshpur border area, patrol teams from BGB-58 stopped an attempt by 4-5 individuals to enter Bangladesh illegally at Jadabpur, forcing them to retreat back into Indian territory. In another incident in the Samanta BOP area under the same battalion, around 30-35 people were reportedly brought near the border in a prison van by BSF with the intent of push-in. BGB said its patrol teams, along with local residents, resisted the attempt, after which the individuals were taken away. In Jashore’s Goga and Rudrapur border areas under Khulna BGB-21, several men and women were seen gathered near the frontier for alleged push-in attempts, but were later removed following BGB intervention. BGB-20 in Joypurhat said intelligence suggested that around 10 people were assembled inside Indian territory near the Koya and Basudebpur borders in preparation for push-in attempts, which were later foiled due to heightened vigilance. In Chapainawabganj, BGB-53 said intelligence and social media reports indicated that four Muslim individuals excluded from India’s Special Intensive Revision list were being held at three centres near BSF camps in an alleged attempt to push them into Bangladesh. BGB said it has increased surveillance in the area. BGB-50 in Thakurgaon reported that BSF’s Kakramani camp detained two Bangladeshi nationals, but no formal communication has yet been made with BGB regarding the matter. In Panchagarh, BGB-18 said one individual allegedly pushed into Bangladesh by BSF through the Rowshanpur area was initially detained by locals and later sent back into Indian territory after verification. BGB-59 in Chapainawabganj said 22 detainees held at a centre in India’s Malda district were reportedly handed over to BSF for possible push-in attempts, prompting increased monitoring by BGB. In Sylhet, BGB-48 said locals detained two suspicious individuals at Utmachhara border, who were later identified as Indian nationals and pushed back following due procedure. In Netrokona, BGB-31 said 15-20 individuals were reportedly gathered at a school in Assam’s Mahadeb police station area for alleged push-in attempts, taking advantage of a stretch of unfenced border area. The battalion said it remains on maximum alert. BGB reiterated that no illegal entry into Bangladesh through the border will be allowed under any circumstances and said it will firmly resist any violation of international border laws and bilateral agreements. The force also said intelligence monitoring, patrols and operational activities have been further intensified to safeguard national sovereignty and border security.

A Bangladeshi national was killed after being shot by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at the Amjhol border in Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat early Thursday. The deceased was identified as Khademul Haque, 25, son of Amzad Hossain of the Amjhol area. Locals said Khademul, along with several alleged smugglers, crossed into around 150 yards inside Indian territory when BSF personnel from the 78 Battalion’s Paglamari camp opened fire on them. He sustained injuries to his face, chest and head in the firing. Locals and his associates later brought him back to Bangladesh in a critical condition. He was taken to a clinic in Rangpur, where he died while undergoing treatment. Lt Col Mehedi Imam, commanding officer of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Lalmonirhat 15 Battalion, confirmed the incident. He said BSF initially denied the firing allegation and a flag meeting at the company commander level has been convened in this regard. Earlier on May 8, two Bangladeshi nationals were killed and at least 12 others injured in firing by the BSF along the Pathariadwar border in Kasba upazila of Brahmanbaria district.