Bangladesh border force chief seeks to downplay attacks on minorities, says reports 'exaggerated'

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) chief Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman on Thursday categorically denied any attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh in the recent past, terming news reports of such incidents an "exaggeration."

"The news of attacks on minorities in the recent past...is an exaggeration in the media. Such attacks did not happen," Ashrafuzzaman said at a media briefing here after a meeting between BGB and Border Security Force.

He pointed out that during Durga Puja "BGB personnel personally provided security" to puja pandals within 8 km of the international boundary that comes under the force's jurisdiction. "The law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh were precisely and strictly tasked by the government so that the Hindu community is able to perform this festival," he said.


He conceded there may have been some issues in the overall law and order situation in Bangladesh due to political problems. This contradicts information from the Indian government.

BSF DG Daljit Chawdhary said forces from both sides are operationally deployed to stop and curb any kind of infiltration since August 5, 2024. "Infiltration has substantially gone down and this is done with the active help of BGB," Chawdhary told reporters after the conclusion of the 55th DG-level meeting in New Delhi from February 17 to 20.