'Can't Let You Cross Even If We Want To': BSF Officer Tries To Reason With Refugees At Bangladesh Border

Shiv Sena leader Milind Deora has shared the video of BSF officials at India’s border with Bangladesh, one of whom is seen patiently explaining to refugees that they cannot be allowed to cross over. The calmness displayed by the official, in the face of a severe crisis, gathered a lot of praise on the internet.

Deora, who shared the video by The Indian Express, said on his X that despite the “heartbreaking” situation, it is “reassuring to know the government is committed to securing India’s borders”.

“This video of a #BSF officer calmly explaining to Bangladeshis why they can’t enter India illegally is heartbreaking, inspirational & reassuring all at once. Heartbreaking to see the desperation; inspirational to witness the officer’s calm composure; reassuring to know the government is committed to securing India’s borders.

#BorderSecurity #IllegalImmigration” he wrote in the post.

The clip, stamped as being from West Bengal’s Coochbehar, shows BSF officials interacting with a group of refugees. Many Bangladeshi nationals are fleeing violence and arson in the aftermath of the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Back in Bangladesh, members of minority communities are holding protests against alleged attacks on Hindu homes and businesses.

Hundreds of refugees are seen waiting in the waist-deep water of a river at the border. In the IE video, the BSF official is heard addressing the refugees in Bangla: “Listen to me, listen to what I am saying… We all know the problems you are facing; the whole world knows, there is a need for discussion, we cannot solve issues in such a manner.”

“We cannot let you cross the border even if we want to,” he says, when the crowd starts shouting. To this, the officer responds by saying: “Please listen to me, nothing will come out of shouting. The whole world knows of the issue at hand but there is still a need to discuss it. Once those talks happen, we can decide what to do about your status and protection and, accordingly, take steps. As you can see, our senior officers are here as well. But, if you tell us to let you in immediately, is that possible?”

He adds: “So, I request you on our behalf, on behalf of my seniors who cannot speak the language, to return because we cannot solve this in an hour or two.” Amid voices pleading “Please let us in, they’ll burn our homes and torture us”, the official then tells the refugees that senior officers have discussed the situation with their Bangladesh counterparts and the grievances of those wanting to enter India will be heard.

The video surfaced a day after BSF ADG (eastern command) Ravi Gandhi chaired a meeting on Saturday (August 10) to review security all along the Bangladesh border. “Detailed deliberations were held to further enhance border control, security and management. Besides, it was decided to continue the close collaboration with counterpart Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB),” a BSF spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the force has been holding flag meetings with the BGB to sort out mutual issues amicably, especially for the prevention of atrocities on Indian nationals and people from minorities communities in Bangladesh and their counterpart has been responding well.

The home ministry recently formed a committee under the ADG to look into issues being faced by minorities in Bangladesh after Hasina’s ouster.

(With PTI inputs)