The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has reportedly pushed in 48 Bangladeshi nationals through the Pallathal border in Barlekha upazila of Moulvibazar.
The individuals were detained early on Thursday, in the border area of the Pallathal tea garden of the upazila.
With this incident, a total of 452 people have so far been detained by the BGB in Moulvibazar after being pushed in.
Of them, 341 were detained in Barlekha upazila, 10 in Juri upazila, 21 in Kulaura upazila, 19 in Sreemangal upazila, and 61 in Kamalganj upazila.
In addition, several hundred others have reportedly crossed the border illegally, but neither the BGB nor the local administration was able to detain them.
According to the 52 BGB Battalion, a patrol team detained the 48 Bangladeshi nationals while they were wandering in the hilly area near a place called Pallathal Punji under the jurisdiction of the Pallathal Border Outpost (BOP) in Barlekha upazila, after they had illegally entered Bangladesh from India.
Among those detained are 15 men, 15 women, and 18 children.
During preliminary questioning, the BGB said, it was revealed that the individuals had illegally entered India between six months to 17 years ago through the border areas of Kurigram and Jessore, seeking medical treatment and employment.
Later, they were pushed back into Bangladesh by the BSF.
Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Ariful Haque, commanding officer of the 52 BGB Battalion, said that during interrogation, the detainees identified themselves as residents of Jessore, Bagerhat, Chapainawabganj, Barguna, Barisal, and Kurigram. "Upon confirmation of their identities, appropriate legal action is being taken against them."
