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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expresses solidarity with Bangladesh, offering refuge to those in distress amid ongoing turmoil, emphasizing humanitarian support and cooperation.
Key Points
- West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee pledges support for distressed individuals from Bangladesh.
- The state will provide shelter and assistance to refugees amid the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh.
- Over 1,000 students have entered West Bengal from Bangladesh, with coordination between BSF and BGB ensuring safe evacuation.
- The immigration desk at ICP Petrapole will operate 24/7 to facilitate uninterrupted passage for returning students.
- The BSF emphasizes the priority of safety and well-being for all returning students.
Expressing solidarity with the people of strife-torn Bangladesh, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on July 21 that the state would welcome and support those in distress from the neighboring country. Speaking at the Trinamool Congress‘ ‘Martyrs Day’ rally, Banerjee acknowledged the sensitivity of discussing Bangladesh’s internal matters but emphasized West Bengal’s humanitarian stance.
“I should not be speaking on the affairs of Bangladesh since that is a sovereign nation and whatever needs to be said on the issue is a subject matter for the Centre. But I can tell you this — if helpless people come knocking on the doors of Bengal, we will surely provide them shelter,” Banerjee declared, highlighting the state’s readiness to aid those in need.
Banerjee referenced a United Nations resolution advocating for refugee accommodation in regions adjacent to those experiencing turmoil. She cited the example of ethnic conflict in Assam, during which West Bengal had provided shelter to affected individuals from the neighboring state.
“Hundreds of students and others are returning to West Bengal/ India, from the trouble-torn Bangladesh. I have asked our State administration to render all help and assistance to the returnees. For instance, around 300 students arrived at Hilli border today [Sunday] and most of them left for their respective destinations safely: 35 of them, however, needed help and we provided them with basic amenities and facilitation assistance. United we stand!” Banerjee shared in a series of posts on social media platform X.
West Bengal shares a 2,216 km-long border with Bangladesh, the longest segment of the 4,096 km border India shares with the neighboring country. The state has deep cultural and linguistic ties with Bangladesh and experienced a significant influx of refugees during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
The Border Security Force (BSF) reported that over the past four days, 1,062 students entered West Bengal through three Land Customs Stations (LCSs) at Ghojadanga, Gede, and Mahadipur, and the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Petrapole. Of these students, 901 are Indian nationals, while the rest are from Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. BSF South Bengal Frontier spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General A.K. Arya confirmed ongoing coordination with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to ensure safe and efficient evacuation, including during nighttime operations.
“This coordination has ensured safe evacuation of students even during night-time operations. To further enhance the efficiency of the process, the immigration desk at ICP Petrapole will now be open 24/7, ensuring uninterrupted and safe passage for all students returning home,” Arya stated.
The BSF emphasized that senior officers at all LCS and ICP Petrapole locations are on high alert, ensuring each student receives necessary help and support. The BSF and BGB’s strong and collaborative approach has been crucial in managing the evacuation effectively. “The safety and well-being of the students is of utmost priority, and additional facilities have been arranged to meet their needs,” the BSF’s press statement noted.
