600 Bangladeshis attempt to cross into India's West Bengal fearing for their lives, stopped by border security

Nearly 600 people from Bangladeshwere stopped from entering India at aborder point in the Indian state ofWest Bengal by the Border Security Force (BSF), which has been on high alert sinceBangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted and fled the country on Monday.

On Wednesday (Aug 7), aday before an interim government wasset to take control in Bangladesh, hundreds from the country tried to enter India, pleading with BSF officers for entry, claiming they feared for their lives.

As per a report by India Today, roughly 1,000 Bangladeshi Hindus have gathered at the India-Bangladesh border in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, due to the unstable conditions in Bangladesh. The BSF, however, has prevented them from crossing into India.

Officials reported that the group attempted to cross into India at Dakshin Berubari village in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district.

"They appealed to us and asked to be let into the country, saying that they were afraid of being attacked and also feared for their lives. It was explained to them that it is not possible to let them enter in this fashion," said an official.

While some people in the group left, many remained at the border late Wednesday evening, hoping to be allowed entry. A local resident told news agency PTI that the people gathered across the barbed wire were pleading to be let in.

"But we are helpless. They recounted their horrific experiences," the resident said.

Tensions had been rising in Bangladesh since before the January 7 elections, which were overwhelmingly won by Hasina's Awami League but were widely criticised as not being free and fair.

Student protests began in June after a Bangladeshi high court reinstated a 30 per cent reservation in government jobs for family members of freedom fighters and veterans from Bangladesh's 1971 War of Independence. Although the quota was later reduced by the country's supreme court, the ousted PM'shandling of the situation angered students.

Protests continued with students demanding thatHasina step down. Clashes between protesters and the police resulted in over 100 deaths and numerous injuries across the country.

On Monday, hundreds of thousands of students took to the streets and marched towards the prime minister's official residence, Ganabhaban, forcing herto resign and flee the country.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus will take oath on Thursday (Aug 8) as the head of an interim government, announced Bangladesh's Army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman.

(With inputs from agencies)