Members of the Haldigram and Barmari camps of the 39 BGB Mymensingh Battalion detained 12 Bangladeshi nationals while they were allegedly returning from India through an illegal route in Nalitabari, Sherpur. The detentions took place around 4am on Friday near border pillar 1111 in the Burunga Kalapani hilly area. Three Hiace microbuses sent to transport them and their three drivers were also detained.

Haldigram BGB Camp Commander Nayek Subedar Nurul Islam said the detainees, from Godagari in Rajshahi, had travelled to India illegally about a year earlier and worked there as labourers. He said they planned to return through brokers because they feared arrest amid increased activity by Indian police.

According to BGB, 30 Bangladeshis entered the country near pillar 1111 as planned. Acting on confidential information, separate BGB patrol teams detained 12 people, while the others fled into different parts of the hills. BGB said the detainees and the drivers would be handed over to Nalitabari police station after cases are filed under the Passport Act.