Apart from border management, the Border Security Force (BSF) is taking the Indo-Bangla relationship to a new height acting as a Good Samaritan for as many as 500 hapless Bangladeshi nationals who got stranded in the Akhaura ICP.
The Bangladeshi nationals –about 500- on Friday had cleared the immigration on way to Agartala in Bangladesh but when they reached Agartala border they found the immigration counter here was already closed. That left them in the cold.
When the matter came to the notice of the BSF personnel posted in the border, they informed their higher authorities who immediately swung into action took the Bangladeshi nationals under their wing.
The 120-Bn BSF arranged basic facilities including shelter, food and toilet as well as milk for the children. Besides, a lady doctor was also deployed there to provide medical support in case of any necessity.
When asked, a BSF officer confirmed that the number of stranded people was over 500. They were stuck at the ICP as the immigration counter on the Indian side remained closed after the office hours, he said.
According to sources, the immigration counter works in specific office hours since non-availability of 24×7 service.