The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has formally handed over 15 Bangladeshi nationals to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) through a flag meeting at Raghunathpur border in Jashor's Benapole lat night.

The handover took place around 11:00pm following a flag meeting between the Raghunathpur BGB BOP and India's Petrapole BSF camp.

The meeting was led by Mizanur Rahman, camp commander of BGB's Raghunathpur BOP, and AC Praveen Chand, camp commander of the Petrapole BSF camp. The handover was completed in a cordial atmosphere as BSF transferred the Bangladeshi nationals, along with relevant documents, to BGB.

A total of 15 Bangladeshi citizens -- including women and children -- were repatriated, said BGB official Mizanur.

He said the returnees were verified as Bangladeshi citizens after checking their national identity cards, birth certificates and other documents. During primary questioning, they admitted to working in various households in Kolkata for the last four years. They had reportedly entered India illegally through the Satkhira border at different times.

Following legal formalities, the Raghunathpur BOP authorities handed them over to Benapole Port Police Station for further procedures.