– Shabana Javed
The Border Security Force (BSF) of South Bengal Frontier once again demonstrated compassion and humanity by facilitating a Bangladeshi woman to bid a final farewell to her deceased Indian brother at the Zero Line near the international border in the North 24 Parganas district of Bengal.
The incident occurred in the Mustafapur border outpost area, under the 67th Battalion of the BSF. According to NK Pandey, DIG and spokesperson of the South Bengal Frontier, the Panchayat member of the border village Gangulia informed the company commander at Mustafapur about the death of Abdul Khalid Mandal, a local resident. Mandal’s sister, who resides in Sardar Baripota, a border village in Bangladesh, expressed her deep desire to see her brother one last time.
Responding promptly and with empathy, the BSF coordinated with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to arrange a meeting. Mandal’s bier was carried from Gangulia village to the Zero Line under the watchful eye of BSF personnel. At the same time, the BGB escorted Mandal’s sister and her relatives to the designated spot. The poignant reunion allowed the family to grieve and say their goodbyes. After the brief but meaningful meeting, Mandal’s mortal remains were returned to Gangulia village for the final rites.
“The family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to both the BSF and BGB for enabling this final meeting,” Pandey said.
NK Pandey added, “BSF jawans not only guard the borders tirelessly day and night but also stand ready to address the humanitarian and social needs of those living along the international border.”
