Northeast Desk, 21st July: In response to the deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh, the Border Security Force (BSF) stationed in Tripura has heightened security measures along the international border. Senior commanders have been deployed to ensure a state of high operational readiness.
Tripura shares an 856 km long border with Bangladesh, making it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of the ongoing unrest in the neighboring country.
Addressing the media on Sunday, BSF Inspector General (IG) Patel Piyush Purushottam Das emphasized the security challenges posed by the current situation in Bangladesh. He noted the particular concern regarding the safe return of approximately 8,000 Indian students, predominantly medical students, studying in Bangladesh.
“One of our prime concerns now is the safe return of Indian students studying in Bangladesh. Many of them are in medical colleges in Comilla, Brahmanbaria, and Dhaka, and they are using Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) in Tripura to return home,” said IG Das.
He reported that the BSF facilitated the entry of 365 students the previous day, with around 300 using the Srimantapur ICP in Sepahijala District and the rest via the Agartala-Akhaura ICP in West Tripura.
“All necessary arrangements for the students, including water, food packets, transportation, and medical aid, were made to ensure their comfort. The students were understandably frightened. Our officers at the ICPs spoke with them to provide reassurance,” he added.
IG Das recounted a specific incident where the BSF coordinated with the Border Guards of Bangladesh to ensure the safe passage of 36 students from Brahmanbaria Medical College to the Agartala ICP amidst the communication blackout.
Looking ahead, IG Das expects more students to cross over in the coming days and reassured that the BSF is fully prepared to assist them.
“The prevailing law and order situation is a serious security concern. We have intensified border security to prevent criminal elements from exploiting the situation. The BSF is on high alert, with maximum troop mobilization and senior commanders camping at the border to ensure readiness. We are committed to the security of the country and prepared to handle any situation arising from the disturbances in Bangladesh,” he concluded.
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