Habiul Biswas and his wife Sajda quietly stepped down from their vehicle near the Hakimpur border checkpost in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. The checkpost, near the zero line between India and Bangladesh, is tightly guarded by the Border Security Force (BSF) with thorough frisking for all villagers crossing. Polythene sheets were laid in front of closed shops where groups of Bangladesh nationals gathered before crossing back to Bangladesh. Habiul and Sajda, who came to India six years ago, shared their difficult story. They left their minor daughter in India, who works with her husband at a brick kiln. They feel unsafe without proper identity papers and worry about prison if caught. Earlier that day, the BSF asked a group of 20 men, women, and children to wait before taking them to the zero line to cross over. BSF officials said all such returns happen after talks with Border Guards Bangladesh. Locals like Mostafa Sardar reported increased arrivals of Bangladeshi nationals returning since mid-November. The BSF frisking is strict, and every purchase by residents near the border is checked. Another returnee, Kohinoor, told of working in Bengaluru hotels but facing hostility from BJP supporters who discouraged Bengali speakers. Despite a Congress state government, she felt unsafe staying. Many returning people watched online videos of others crossing at Hakimpur, driving their decision. They fear arrests due to ongoing Special Intensive Revision checks. Crossing illegally used to cost around ₹5,000, but now BSF helps them return without cost or risk. This explains the recent surge in returns through Hakimpur. The journey reflects hardship and fear among these migrants, highlighting the tense border situation.