The Border Security Force (BSF) troopers are on a high alert in view of the grim situation in Bangladesh and the Tripura Frontier Inspector General (IG) of the BSF, Patel Piyush Purushottam Das said that the current law and order situation in Bangladesh due to anti-reservation agitation is causing security challenges for the border force.

“With 856 km border, the security challenges also exist in Tripura as the state is surrounded on almost all sides by Bangladesh,” the IG told the media, adding that one of the prime concerns right now is the safe return of Indian students studying there.

“Senior BSF Commanders are keeping a close watch on the prevailing border situation. Additional BSF forces were also deployed along the border to maintain the highest vigil. BSF troops are on high alert to deal with any situation that might arise due to the prevailing disturbances in our neighbouring country,” the IG said.

BSF is fully committed to securing the boundaries of the country in the bordering state of Tripura and fully prepared to deal with any challenges that the current situation might throw up, the IG further said.

The senior IPS officer said that the number of Indian students in Bangladesh is believed to be close to 8,000 and most of them are enrolled in the medical colleges in Comilla, Brahmanbaria and Dhaka.

Till Saturday evening, 365 students belonging to various Indian states have entered Tripura through the four check posts, including Integrated Check Posts in Agartala in West Tripura district and Srimantapur in Sepahijala district and on Sunday, till afternoon, 314 stranded Indian students along with some Nepali students have also entered into Tripura’s territory through Agartala and Srimantapur ICPs.

“The number of Indian students in Bangladesh is believed to be close to 8000 and most of them are enrolled in medical colleges. Most of the students are studying in medical colleges at Comilla, Brahmanbaria and Dhaka and many have chosen to enter into India through four ICPs/LCS, especially through Agartala in West Tripura district and Srimantapur in Sepahijala district. Yesterday BSF facilitated the entry of 365 students. Around 300 odd entering through ICP Srimantapur,” said IG.

BSF has made all arrangements at these ICPs for their safe arrival which includes Refreshments, Food packets, Transportation, Medical aid etc. BSF is in close coordination with the local administration and other agencies so that the entire process takes place without any glitch. I have given clear directions to my officers to personally supervise the arrival of these students through ICPs so that no inconvenience is faced by them.

“I would like to tell one specific incident in which I got a call from a student’s parent who wanted to know if BSF can provide any help to their son studying in Brahmanbaria Medical College which is about 40 Kms from Agartala Border. Further due to the stoppage of Internet and mobile services in Bangladesh they were not able to get in touch with their child. I then immediately spoke to the    region commander there and got a very positive response. Subsequently the coordination between the two border guarding forces was done at the nodal officers level to work out the details of evacuation. I am very thankful to BGB , which in spite of the law and order situation and its heavy commitment, has helped us by providing transportation and safe passage up to Agartala border for around 36 students who were stranded there. All this was done seamlessly and in a very professional way. It was a very satisfying feeling when the students finally arrived safely at the Agartala ICP. This is a testimony to the cooperation and good relations that exist between BSF and BGB.,” said IG-BSF.

“We are also expecting more students to cross over in the coming days and BSF is fully prepared to provide all assistance and ensure their safe return to home,” said IG and that the prevailing law and order situation is a security concern for BSF also as we are entrusted with guarding the border. We are fully seized of the situation and have beefed up the security so that criminal elements from across the border don’t take advantage of the current situation.

BSF troops are on high alert to deal with any situation that might arise due the prevailing disturbances in our neighbouring country. Maximum troops have been mobilised and sent to the border and all senior commanders are camping in the border for ensuring a high level of operational preparedness. BSF is fully committed for securing the boundaries of our country in the bordering state of Tripura and fully prepared to deal with any challenges that the current situation might throw up.

The External Affairs Ministry in Delhi said that the High Commission in Dhaka and the Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Khulna are available on helpline numbers for any assistance required by the Indian nationals.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in Delhi that around 15,000 Indian nationals, including 8,500 students, reside in Bangladesh.

He said that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is monitoring the situation, while the High Commission in Dhaka will provide regular updates on the situation there.

Meanwhile, the External Affairs Ministry has urged Indian nationals in Bangladesh to follow the advisory issued by the High Commission in Dhaka and to be in touch with the High Commission.

Bangladesh has announced the imposition of a curfew and the deployment of military forces after police failed to quell days of deadly unrest that has spread throughout the country.

Violence erupted in the country after protests by students demanding reforms in the quota system for government jobs.

The clashes between student demonstrators and police have killed at least 133 people so far.