Border Vigilance: BSF On High Alert As Bangladesh Prisoners Who Fled From Jails May Try Entering India

Border Security Force (BSF) is on high alert after it got to know that more than 1,200 prisoners, including terrorists, have fled from Bangladesh jails since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

As per Hindustan Times, senior BSF officials stated that due to increased security threats, border forces from both countries have intensified communication, engaging in discussions multiple times a day.

The security forces of Bangladesh are sharing real-time information to prevent infiltrators from crossing into India. The information exchange is happening at all levels of both forces, as per an officer.

The BSF has asked Bangladesh officials to alert if any convict appears to be moving towards the Indian border. Prisoners have escaped from five jails — Narsingi, Sherpur, Satkhira, Kushtia and Kashimpu.

The tensions have risen due to the porosity of the borders which have hitherto led to the smuggling of cattle, gold, drugs and medicines. Already, many instances of Bangladeshis trying to enter India have been reported.

The BSF is not allowing anyone to enter India as the message from the Indian government is clear that no person should be allowed to enter no matter what they say, an official said.

While 400 prisoners who escaped the Narsingi jail have surrendered, many convicts, including those from the Jamaat-E-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam are yet to be tracked down.

Additionally, there is also a risk of Bangladeshi police personnel fleeing into India as they have come under attack amid violence. The decrease in Bangladesh deployment at borders is also worrisome for India.