Rajshahi: The paramilitary force Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) today repatriated five Bangladeshi nationals detained by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) through a flag meeting at Bagha border in the district here. The flag meeting was held between company commander-level officials of the BGB and BSF from 5:30pm to 6:15pm near border pillar No. 78/4-S under Mirganj Border Outpost of Rajshahi Battalion (1 BGB), said a BGB press release this afternoon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the five Bangladeshis - three jute traders and two boatmen from Alaipur Madhyapara village in Bagha upazila - were detained by the BSF after they inadvertently crossed into Indian territory on September 7 while returning home by boat after purchasing jute. The returnees were identified as college student Mosharraf Hossain, 26, son of Golam Mostofa; Sahabul Ali, 40, son of Yanj; Babar Ali, 40, son of Shahjahan Pramanik; Saiful Islam, 46, son of Samad Mondal; and Ashadul Islam, 38, son of Jamal Mondal. They are all residents of Alaipur Madhyapara village under Pakuria Union of Bagha Upazila, the release mentioned.
Following their detention, the five were handed over to Raninagar Police Station and kept at its holding centre. After verifying their identities and addresses, the BGB handed them over to their families around 7:00pm in the presence of local representatives. Lawmaker of the Rajshahi-6 Constituency Md Abu Sayeed Chand was present at Alaipur ferry terminal and thanked the BGB for its professional and humanitarian efforts, the BGB added.