Bangladesh and India Address Border 'Push-ins' and Related Issues at DG-Level Talks

During recent director general-level talks between the border forces of Bangladesh and India in New Delhi, both nations presented their differing positions on the ongoing 'push-in' attempts by India across the shared border. The 57th BGB-BSF Director General-level conference saw Bangladesh terming these attempts as illegal, inhumane, and a violation of international law. India, represented by Border Security Force (BSF) Director General Praveen Kumar, stated that it repatriates illegal foreigners in line with its domestic laws and established procedures.

Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, Director General of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), outlined Bangladesh's position in a written statement. Beyond the 'push-in' issue, the discussions prioritized effective measures to prevent the killing, injuring, and torture of unarmed Bangladeshi citizens at the border, alongside addressing smuggling and the construction of unauthorized infrastructure.

According to BGB headquarters data, the BSF reportedly pushed 2,479 people into Bangladesh over an eight-month period between May 7, 2025, and January 26 of this year, with 120 individuals identified as Indian nationals. Attempts at 'push-ins' along the border have reportedly increased since May of this year.

This meeting marked the first between the chiefs of the two border forces since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) assumed power in West Bengal. Following the change in government in May, the BJP administration, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, launched a 'detect, delete and deport,' or 'Three-D,' campaign. This initiative is reportedly aimed at individuals identified as Bangladeshi nationals living in the state without valid documents. Suvendu Adhikari has claimed in media that at least 4,880 "infiltrators" have been returned to Bangladesh.

Diplomatic sources in New Delhi indicated that the BSF director general's remarks aligned with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs' stance from the past year. India affirmed that actions concerning illegal foreigners, including Bangladeshi nationals, are taken according to domestic laws and existing bilateral mechanisms. The BSF justified the handover of over 2,800 Bangladeshis to the BGB by asserting its adherence to established procedures. The BSF also raised concerns about delays in the repatriation process after lists of illegal individuals are provided to Bangladesh. Bangladesh, in response, reiterated that 'push-ins' are illegal, violating human rights, humanitarian procedures, and international law, while affirming its commitment to repatriating its own citizens from any country.

(Source: Prothom Alo English)