Bangladesh border force delaying taking back their citizens stranded at IB in Tripura: BSF

Border Guard Banglesh (BGB) is "delaying" identity confirmation of ir 12 citizens stranded at India-Banglesh international border (IB) in Tripura for last six days, Border Security Force said on Thursday.

Tripura frontier of BSF issued a statement in Agartala, saying despite providing "evidence" to ir counterparts -- BGB -- about vital details of stranded Bangleshis, held up along IB in Sepahijala district of state, border force of neighbouring country has not responded "positively." Bangaldeshi group -- comprising 4 females, a male and a 7 children -- was intercepted by a BSF patrol on July 11 along IB.

BSF said it h handed over, after a battalion commander level meeting on July 14, supporting documents as evidence that proved identity of 12 stranded Bangleshi nationals.

documents included ir photographs, home dress, family tree chart and a CD that contained voice and video conversation between one of stranded Bangla citizen Kulsum Bibi (60) with her son who resides in Banglesh, BSF said.

"But, still BGB did not respond with some positive outcome. As per understanding between BSF and BGB, women and children apprehended at international border have to be handed over or accepted by eir force subject to confirmation of ir nationality, immediately after apprehension, treating m as victims of human trafficking." "However, Banglesh authorities have been delaying such confirmation despite evidences handed over to BGB by BSF during Commandant level flag meeting," BSF said.

Hence, it said, 12 Bangleshi nationals are still stranded on border and y are being provided basic amenities by BSF and locals on humanitarian grounds.

BSF said a company commander level meeting was also held on day of ir apprehension (July 11) at BGB post named 'Kasba'.

" BGB commander denied to accept 12 Bangleshi nationals that day as y were not in possession of any valid documents to establish ir identity as Bangaldeshis." "However, BGB assured that verification of ir dresses will be carried out and reafter suitable decision will be taken," BSF statement said.

BSF subsequently escalated issue to a senior BGB commanders of area and y were asked to "take back" 12 people on basis of ir home dress revealed by m.

"However, no satisfactory reply was received from BGB," BSF said.

BSF said all 12 people belong to Harikula village under Chandina police station of Cumilla district in Banglesh.

As per BSF, youngest member of this group is 2-year-old.