Seventy-eight Bangladeshi and Bangladesh-origin citizens abandoned on a remote char near Mandarbari in the Sundarbans by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and Navy were rescued by the Bangladesh Coast Guard late Saturday and handed over to Shyamnagar Police.
According to RAB and Coast Guard sources, the group—75 Bangladeshi nationals and three India-born citizens of Bangladeshi descent—were found on the char after trekking from where BSF and Navy personnel had left them. They were brought first to Mongla with Forest Department support, then transferred at 11 PM to Shyamnagar Police Station. Local authorities provided emergency medical care, food rations and drinking water at the Upazila Freedom Fighters’ Complex.
Several survivors said they had lived in slums in Surat, Gujarat, until their settlement was demolished on April 26. They were arrested that night, blindfolded and bound, then detained for four days before being flown to Kolkata. On May 9, they were taken by ship into the Bay of Bengal and abandoned on the char.
Assistant Conservator of Forests Moshiur Rahman described the grim condition of the rescued, many suffering from severe illnesses and injuries—one man’s arm was broken, while others showed signs of torture. Shyamnagar OC Mobarak Hossain said initial arrivals numbered 32, followed by two more groups totaling 46.
Shyamnagar UNO Rani Khatun expressed shock at the “inhuman ordeal,” affirming that authorities have ensured prompt humanitarian aid and will pursue all legal measures. Kaliganj Circle ASP Mithun Sarker added that the rescued will be reunited with their families today after identity verification.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over cross-border human rights violations and underscores the vulnerability of migrant communities in India’s border regions.
LND/BG
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