Influential figures in Bangladesh are reportedly seeking refuge in India for sums ranging from 500,000 to 1 million BDT. Arrest warrants have been issued against several prominent figures from the previous regime. The Indian authorities have issued lookout notices in border areas. The interim government of Bangladesh is not allowing anyone, even those not involved in politics, to leave the country without urgent necessity. To maintain the country’s image, special monitoring is in place for minorities attempting to leave. Despite these measures, many people feel insecure and are desperately trying to cross the border to find temporary refuge in India, leading to reliance on intermediaries.
However, local residents in various border villages of West Bengal are concerned about these “sudden guests,” though they are too fearful to speak out. The Border Security Force (BSF) is also worried about this “new method” of illegal entry. Detecting the presence of syndicate groups, they have increased patrols in border areas.
AK Arya, DIG of the South Bengal Frontier of the BSF, said, “In light of the unrest in the neighboring country, patrols in the border areas have been significantly increased. We have enhanced our engagement with the residents of border villages. The BSF is making every effort to monitor illegal crossings, and several attempts have been thwarted, leading to multiple arrests. However, there is no current report of any tense situation in the border areas.”
When asked how active the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is in preventing illegal crossings, BGB’s Deputy Director (Communications), Colonel Shafiul Alam Parvez, told Anandabazar Online from Dhaka, “Legal action will be taken against those who are abusing political power to engage in illegal and wrongful activities.” He added, “In most cases, the accused are seeking refuge in India. We will request the Indian government to ensure that these accused do not receive any form of political asylum in their country.”
