BSF tackles border challenges in Coochbehar, West Bengal amid volatile situation in Bangladesh

New Delhi [India], August 9 : The Guwahati Frontier of Border Security Force (BSF) successfully addressed a significant and different kind of challenge at the India-Bangladesh border in Coochbehar District, West Bengal today.
Approximately 1,000 individuals, reportedly Bangladeshi nationals, approached the international border, seeking refuge in India, stated an official release by the BSF.
This emerging challenge is new to the BSF, which is primarily entrusted with the security of India's borders along both Bangladesh and Pakistan. Faced with the task of managing humanitarian concerns while ensuring border security, the BSF swiftly responded to the situation.
Upon encountering this group, the BSF promptly approached its counterpart, the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB), to take these Bangladeshi nationals back, ensuring that the situation was managed without escalating tensions.
The quick and decisive actions of the BSF, in coordination with India's civil administration, were crucial in maintaining order and resolving the issue, the BSF said in an official release.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has constituted a committee that is to be headed by the ADG, Border Security Force, Eastern Command to monitor the current Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) situation.
In a letter dated August 9, Under Secretary to the Govt of India Smitha Viju said, "It has been decided to constitute a Committee consisting of the following members for the above-mentioned subject a. ADG, BSF, Eastern Command as the Chairman, b. IG, BSF Frontier HQ South Bengal, c. IG, BSF Frontier HQ Tripura, d. Member (Planning and Development), LPAI and e. Secretary, LPAI."
The office memorandum further stated that the the above committee will maintain communication channels with their counterpart authorities in Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Indian citizens and people belonging to minority communities in Bangladesh.

The Additional Director General of BSF, Eastern Command, is the chairman of the five-member Committee.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also made the announcement through a post on X and informed that the committee has been constituted to monitor the current situation on the India-Bangladesh border.

"In the wake of the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, the Modi government has constituted a committee to monitor the current situation on the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB). The committee will maintain communication channels with their counterpart authorities in Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals, Hindus, and other minority communities living there. The committee will be headed by the ADG, Border Security Force, Eastern Command," Shah posted on X.