The BSF has deployed additional personnel along the Bangladesh border to beef up the vigil, keeping in mind the current situation in the neighbouring nation, and for the smooth entry of people, especially students, through three integrated check posts (ICPs) in the region.

Personnel of different BSF battalions under the force's north Bengal frontier are posted at the ICPs in Changrabandha in Cooch Behar, Hili in South Dinajpur and Fulbari in Jalpaiguri.

“Senior officials analysed the situation in the neighbouring country and decided on the additional deployment at ICPs and Land Customs Stations (LCS) to facilitate checking of passengers entering India. Over the past few days, because of the unrest in Bangladesh, over 1,100 students, most of whom study medical courses, entered India through these ICPs,” said a source in the BSF.

BSF personnel check the passport of a student at the integrated check post in Hili, South Dinajpur. Picture courtesy: BSF

Along with students of India, those hailing from countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and even the Maldives, have entered the country, after travelling to the international border from their college hostels and other accommodations.

“Additional personnel have been deployed for the safe evacuation of the students and to ensure they do not get delayed because of the security check. Many students have appreciated the endeavour after walking into India,” the source added.

According to the data shared by the BSF, 1,121 students entered from Bangladesh through the three ICPs in the past few days.

They included 616 Indians, 428 Nepalese, 54 Bhutanese, 21 Bangladeshis and two students from the Maldives.

The BSF, sources said, is also on high alert to ensure that no one enters India from Bangladesh with any nefarious plan while taking the opportunity of the unrest.

The situation in Bangladesh has also halted cross-border trade, much to the concern of exporters.

“As Internet services are unavailable, we could not contact the importers in Bangladesh. Hundreds of trucks carrying different items, including perishable goods, are stranded on the border. We hope the Internet services will be restored soon,” said Rajesh Kumar Agarwala, the vice-president of Hili Exporters’ Association.

Bhupati Mondal, the secretary of Mahadipur Clearing & Forwarding Agents Association, said they were apprehensive of further losses.

“If such a situation persists, there would be more losses as the perishable goods will get damaged and we will have to simply dispose of tons of onions, ginger, and similar items,” said Mondal.