At least 10 people were pushed into Bangladesh from India through the Matamoral border in the New Pallathol area of Barlekha upazila in Moulvibazar on Saturday (July 5), officials confirmed.

The group — comprising seven men and three women — was detained by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) while they were roaming near the hilly terrain along the border early in the morning. BGB personnel from Battalion-52, who were patrolling the area, found the individuals moving suspiciously and took them into custody for questioning.

According to preliminary interrogation, the detainees had illegally crossed into India through border points in Sylhet and Cumilla between one and six months ago. After staying in India for varying periods, they were reportedly forcibly pushed back into Bangladesh by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF).

The detainees are believed to be residents of Satkhira, Khulna, and Barisal districts, said Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) Habibur Rahman of Barlekha Police Station, who confirmed the incident to Banglanews.

Authorities are currently verifying the identities and background of the individuals. Legal proceedings are expected to follow based on the outcome of the investigation.

SMS/