A woman holds a placard during a protest by Bangladeshi Hindus in Dhaka. (Image source: PTI)
Sharing a video of BSF officials interacting with Bangladeshi refugees, Shiv Sena leader Milind Deora said that while the situation was “heartbreaking”, it was “reassuring to know that the government is committed to ensuring security at India's borders”
Shiv Sena leader Milind Deora shared a video of BSF officials at the India-Bangladesh border, in which one patiently explained to the refugees that they were not allowed to cross. The official's calmness in the face of a severe crisis has received much praise online.
Deora shared this video indian express” said on his
“This video of a #BSF officer calmly explaining to Bangladeshis why they cannot enter India illegally is heartbreaking, inspiring and reassuring. It's heartbreaking to see the desperation; it's inspiring to witness the calm composure of the officer; it's comforting Yes, the government is committed to protecting India's borders.
#BorderSecurity #IllegalImmigration,” he wrote in the post.
This video is a #BSF The calmness with which officials explain to Bangladeshis why they cannot enter India illegally is heartbreaking, inspiring and reassuring. It’s inspiring to witness the calm composure of a police officer; it’s reassuring to know… pic.twitter.com/oOxqF7oTid
— Milind Deora ☮️ (@milinddeora) August 11, 2024
The footage, from Cooch Behar in West Bengal, shows BSF officials interacting with a group of refugees. Many Bangladeshi nationals are fleeing violence and arson following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina's government. Back in Bangladesh, members of the minority community are holding protests against alleged attacks on Hindu homes and businesses.
Hundreds of refugees wait in waist-deep water at the border. exist IE In the video, BSF officials address refugees in Bangladesh: “Listen to me, listen to what I say… We all know the problems you face; the whole world knows it, it needs to be discussed, and we cannot solve it this way.
When the crowd started shouting, he said: “We couldn't let you cross the border even if we wanted to.” To which the officer responded: “Please listen to me, shouting will achieve nothing. The whole world knows what is happening in front of you. Issues, but still need to be discussed. Once those negotiations have taken place, we can decide what to do with your status and protection and take steps accordingly. As you can see, our senior officers are here as well. But if you let. We'll let you in right away, okay?
“So, on behalf of us, on behalf of my seniors who do not speak the language, I ask you to come back because we cannot solve this problem in an hour or two,” he added, before pleading “Please let us in, they will burn Our homes and torturing us,” the official told the refugees that senior officials had discussed the situation with their Bangladeshi counterparts and the grievances of those who wanted to enter India would be heard.
The video's release comes a day after BSF ADG (Eastern Command) Ravi Gandhi chaired a meeting on Saturday (August 10) to review the security situation along the Bangladesh border. “Both sides held detailed deliberations to further strengthen border control, security and management. In addition, it was also decided to continue close cooperation with the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB).
The spokesperson said the force has been holding flag meetings with the Bangladesh Border Security Agency to resolve mutual issues amicably, especially to prevent atrocities against Indian nationals and Bangladeshi minority communities, and their counterparts have also done a good job respond.
The home ministry had recently constituted a committee under the assistant director general to look into the issues faced by the Bengali minority after Hasina's ouster.
(With PTI input)
