United News of Bangladesh

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.

A Bangladeshi man was shot dead allegedly by members of India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the Patgram border in Lalmonirhat early Thursday (December 04, 2025). The deceased was identified as Sabuj Mia, 29, son of Sirajul Islam of Pochabandar village under Jagatber union in Lalmonirhat. Locals said Sabuj and a group of farmers had gone to the Shamshernagar frontier area at dawn to work on their croplands when gunshots were heard from the Indian side. Sabuj was found critically injured moments later. Shamshernagar Border Outpost Commander Kamal Uddin, quoting locals, said BSF members later took away the body. Read more: Bangladeshi man shot dead by BSF near border in Chuadanga He said a protest letter has been sent to the BSF. Meanwhile, Abul Kasem, company commander of the BGB-51 Battalion, said repeated attempts had been made to arrange a flag meeting, and high-level communication with the BSF was underway. Patgram Police Station OC Mizanur Rahman said they were aware of the incident and a flag meeting between BGB and BSF commanders may take place soon. Read more: BNP to prioritise water-sharing, end ‘Indian hegemony’: Fakhrul

India’s Border Security Force (BSF) pushed 31 people, including 14 Rohingyas, into Bangladesh through two border points in Sylhet’s Jaintapur upazila, according to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). BGB sources said 14 Rohingya nationals were pushed in through the Lalakhal Bagchhara area of Jaintapur around 7:45pm on Thursday, while 17 Bangladeshi nationals were pushed in through the Kendri village area of the same upazila around 6:30am on Friday. Members of the 19 BGB detained the 14 Rohingyas after they were found inside Bangladesh. During preliminary questioning, they confirmed themselves as forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (FDMN). Among them are four men, four women, and six male children. BSF ‘pushes in’ 19 more through Sylhet border India claims they had fled Rohingya refugee camps in Teknaf and Ukhiya about five to six years ago and entered India, allegations that could be verified independently. In a separate incident, BSF pushed in 17 Bangladeshi citizens through the Khandi village border on Friday morning. According to 48 BGB, the group includes five men, five women, and seven children — all residents of Kurigram district. Lt Col Mohammad Nazmul Haque, Commanding Officer of 48 BGB, said legal action is being taken against the 17 detained Bangladeshi nationals, who have been handed over to Jaintapur Model Police Station. Meanwhile, Lt Col Mohammad Zubayer Anwar, Commanding Officer of 19 BGB, confirmed that the 14 Rohingyas have also been handed over to Jaintapur Model Police Station after collecting their identities and relevant details for legal proceedings.  

Border Guard of Bangladesh, backed by villagers, foiled an Indian BSF’s attempt to push in 57 people into Bangladesh early Wednesday through six different border points in Lalmonirhat district. Lt Col Mehedi Imam, commanding officer of Lalmonirhat BGB Battalion, said, “The BSF has failed in their push-in attempt. These people are currently in the zero line of the border on the Indian side. They are Indian citizens from Assam and they wish to return to their country.”  BGB, locals foil BSF bid to push 750 people into Bangladesh along B'baria According to BGB sources, the incident took place early in the morning. Thirteen individuals were brought to the Choratari border of Durgapur in Aditmari upazila, 24 people through three border points of Hatibandha upazila, and another 20 through two border points in Patgram upazila. In response to the incident, a company-level flag meeting between BGB and BSF was held at around 12:30 pm at the Choratari border of Durgapur BOP in Aditmari upazila. No agreement was reached during the meeting, and the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel returned to Indian territory after promising further discussions, said BGB. India's push-ins are "well-planned and despicable": BGB DG Later, at around 2pm, another flag meeting was held between BGB and BSF officials. “Talks are on-going with the Indian BSF, and multiple rounds of flag meetings have been held,” Lt Col Mehedi added.  

Members of Indian Border Security Force (BSF) detained four Bangladeshi nationals near Jagadal border of Ranisankail upazila of Thakurgaon district early Wednesday. Three of the Bangladeshis were Mister, 32, son of Tariqul Islam, Hamidul Islam, 31, son of Abdul Haque, Shamim, 24, son of Ansarul Islam while the identity of another victim could not be known yet. Bangladeshi youth killed reportedly by BSF along B’baria border BGB-Thakurgaon-50 Battalion Jagadal BoP sources said a patrol team of Mukesh Camp of BSF 184 Battalion caught four Bangladeshi nationals from the border pillar 374/1 S, 200 meter inside India around 5:30 am. Commanding officer of BGB-50 Lieutenant Colonel Tanzir Ahmed,said they were detained while trying to enter Bangladesh from India without valid documents. They might have gone to India for work purposes, he said.  

A Bangladeshi youth sustained bullet injuries after Indian Border Security Force (BSF) allegedly opened fire along the Kusumpur border in Maheshpur upazila of Jhenaidah on Thursday night. The injured, identified as Riaz, 20, is the son of Shafiqul Islam from the village of Pipulbaria. According to Dr Iman Hossain, Assistant Registrar of the Surgery Department at Jashore General Hospital, some shotgun pellets were removed from Riaz’s body, but one entered near his kidney. He was referred to Dhaka for advanced care, the doctor said. Bangladeshi stone worker detained by BSF  from Sylhet border Riaz’s cousin, Suman, claimed that Riaz had gone to a paddy field near the canal along the border to drain stagnant rainwater from their agricultural land when the BSF opened fire on him. He lost consciousness after being shot, and locals, hearing the gunshots, rushed to the spot and found him lying unconscious in the field. However, Lt Col Rafiqul Alam, commander of 58 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion in Maheshpur, said they had not received any information about the incident.