Several hundred Hindus, including women and children, gathered near the Thakurgaon and Panchagarh border areas yesterday, seeking refuge in India. The group, driven by fear of attacks, looting, and threats to their lives, attempted to cross the border but were held back by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel.
Mojakkarul Alam Kochi, chairman of Aloakhawa Union in Panchagarh’s Atwari upazila, said that by 5:30 pm, over 100 young people from various parts of Thakurgaon and Panchagarh had reached near the Barshalupara border. They recounted harrowing tales of their homes and businesses being looted, with attackers threatening their lives. Despite repeated assurances and requests from BGB personnel to return home, the group refused, citing fears for their safety.
This incident followed a similar situation on Tuesday when nearly 3,000 people flocked to the border, hoping to cross into India. However, they were unable to do so and eventually returned home.
Local journalist Jibon Al Mamun, who visited the Jagdal border in Thakurgaon’s Ranisankail upazila yesterday afternoon, reported that around 600 people were still waiting near the no-man’s land, desperate to enter India. Many of them alleged that their properties had been vandalized and looted, leaving them with no choice but to seek refuge across the border.
