Push-in bid foiled in Chuadanga, Meherpur

Chand Mia, 32, son of late Khoda Box Mia of Madhukhali village in Jibonnagar upazila, was shot dead by BSF (Indian Border Security Force) when he had gone to see his paddy field near the border Wednesday evening, sources in 18 Rifle Battalion of BDR said. BSF took away the body.

Later, at about midnight, BSF tried to push a group of 15-20 Bangla-speaking people into Bangladesh territory through Joynagar border in Damurhuda upazila.

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BDR foiled the attempt and proposed to BSF for holding a flag meeting.

"But they did not respond", Commanding Officer of 18 Rifles Battalion Abu Sufian told some local journalists Thursday night.

Other sources said BDR increased its strength in the border.

When asked, Sufian however avoided making any comment.

"We have to resist any unjust attempt like push-in", he said.

In another attempt Wednesday midnight, BSF tried to push-in 12 people through Darsana border, but the attempt was foiled.

On the same night BSF attempted to push-in another about 50 people through Mujibnagar border near border pillar no. 105 and 107 in Meherpur district. Bangladeshis saw the attempt and informed BDR. The local people and BDR jointly foiled the attempt, according to Havilder Helaluddin of Mujibnagar BDR camp.

As tension mounted after the incidents, villagers have been asked not to go to their fields near the border, he said.

He said BDR has been alerted all along the 156 kilometre border including 83 kilometres in Chuadanga under the control of 18 Rifle Battalion.

When contacted, Deputy Commander of 18 Rifles Battalion Maj. Mustafizur Rahman said all push-in attempts by BSF have been foiled and BDR has been reinforced to resist further attempts.