The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has thwarted attempts by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to push 15 people into Bangladesh through border points in Dinajpur and Jhenaidah, officials said.

The alleged push-in attempts took place early on Saturday, prompting the BGB to remain on heightened alert along both border stretches.

In Dinajpur’s Birampur upazila, the BSF allegedly attempted to push nine people into Bangladesh through the Khiar Mahmudpur border. The attempt was foiled by BGB personnel with assistance from local residents.

The nine individuals, comprising eight women and one transgender person, are currently staying in the no-man’s land along the border.

Confirming the incident, Company Commander of the Bhaigar BGB Camp, Subedar Pia Alam, said the group attempted to enter Bangladesh around 4:00am through the Khiar Mahmudpur border. After the BGB and local residents intervened, the group was prevented from crossing and remains in the border’s zero line.

In a separate incident, the BGB prevented another alleged push-in of six people through the Maheshpur border in Jhenaidah.

According to a press release signed by Munshi Imdadur Rahman, assistant director of the Khalishpur 58 BGB Battalion, members of the Singamora 59 BSF attempted to push four men and two women into Bangladesh through the gate adjacent to border pillar 55/MP at around 5:30am.

The BGB intervened after detecting the move and stopped the group from entering Bangladesh.

The six individuals are currently staying about 30 yards inside Indian territory near the zero line, the BGB said, adding that the matter has been communicated to the BSF.