West Bengal: The BSF South Bengal Frontier has established “special help desks” at Integrated Check Posts (ICP) along the India-Bangladesh border to ensure the safe return of students from the neighbouring country, which is experiencing violence.
So far, the BSF has aided 572 Indian students, 133 Nepalese students, and four Bhutanese students in returning home, according to a statement from the border force.
“Amid the unrest, many Indian, Nepalese, and Bhutanese students enrolled in various Bangladeshi educational institutions are being repatriated. The BSF South Bengal Frontier has established special help desks at ICP Petrapole, LCS Gede, Ghojadanga, and Mahadipur to assist in their safe return,” the BSF has announced.
“The BSF is in constant touch with BGB. This coordination has ensured the safe evacuation of students even during nighttime operations. To further enhance the efficiency of the process, the immigration desk at ICP Petrapole will now be open 24/7, ensuring uninterrupted and safe passage for all students returning home,” BSF DIG A K Arya said.
Officials have stated they are coordinating with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) for the secure evacuation of students, including during nighttime operations.
Bangladesh is currently facing severe clashes as students protest, demanding the abolition of a controversial job quota system by the government led by Sheikh Hasina. Reports from Dhaka indicate that over 100 individuals have died in the recent clashes.