Two members of the Bangladesh Police have been detained by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) after entering a no-man’s land area while conducting a drug recovery operation along the Ashabari border in Cumilla’s Brahmanpara upazila.
The incident took place at around 10.30pm on Thursday, 15 October, in the border area of Shashidal Union. Md Faruk Hossain, officer-in-charge (OC) of Brahmanpara Police Station, confirmed the incident.
The detained officers have been identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Imran Hossain and Constable Rohit Dewan.
According to the police, the two officers had gone to the border area to conduct an operation aimed at recovering drugs. During the operation, Constable Rohit Dewan, who had recently joined the force, reportedly lost his way while chasing a suspected drug dealer towards a house.
During the pursuit, he entered the no-man’s land near border pillar number 2059 along the Bangladesh-India frontier.
Police said local drug traders detained Rohit in the area. When ASI Imran Hossain attempted to rescue his colleague, he was also detained. The two officers were subsequently handed over to the BSF by local residents, after which the Indian border force took them into its custody.
OC Md Faruk Hossain said senior officials from the police and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were holding discussions to secure the return of the two officers to Bangladesh.
No specific timeline has been announced for their release or repatriation.
The incident has highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement personnel during operations in border areas, where unfamiliar terrain and proximity to the international boundary can complicate field activities. The no-man’s land between Bangladesh and India is particularly sensitive, making coordination and caution essential during operations near the frontier.
Communication between the border forces of the two countries is often important in resolving incidents involving personnel who cross or enter sensitive areas along the international boundary.
Authorities are continuing discussions to bring the two detained police officers back to Bangladesh. Further details about the negotiations and the circumstances surrounding the incident are expected from the relevant authorities.
