Bangladesh reported foiling multiple attempts by Indian authorities to push people across their shared border in the past 24 hours. Border Guard Bangladesh stated it detected 10 infringements and resisted attempts to move individuals into Bangladeshi territory without proper procedures, reviving a dispute over undocumented migration.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between Bangladesh and India regarding border management and migration, potentially impacting regional stability and diplomatic relations. It underscores the challenges of managing a long and porous border and the differing approaches to handling undocumented individuals.
Bangladesh announced on Thursday that it had thwarted multiple attempts by Indian authorities to force individuals into the country over the preceding 24 hours. This action revives a long-standing dispute concerning undocumented migration and complicates efforts to improve bilateral relations between the two South Asian neighbors. The border between Bangladesh and India is one of the longest in the world, making it difficult to police.
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) reported detecting 10 instances of attempted infringements by Indian authorities along various sections of the border. India's Border Security Force and its ministry of external affairs have not yet responded to requests for comment. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in India has stated its intention to address undocumented migration as a priority and has been attempting to push individuals labeled as 'illegal infiltrators' into Bangladesh.
The BGB issued a statement emphasizing that no one would be permitted to enter Bangladesh illegally and that any violation of international border management norms would be strictly resisted. Last month, intensified patrols and public awareness campaigns were launched due to concerns about India conducting 'push-ins'—informal transfers of people without proper verification or repatriation procedures. India's foreign ministry previously stated it had requested Bangladesh verify the nationality of over 2,860 individuals suspected of living illegally in India.
In a specific incident in the Jhenaidah district, the BGB alleged that Indian Border Security Force personnel attempted to move 30 to 35 people towards Bangladeshi territory in a prison van, but the BGB forced the vehicle to retreat. Dhaka has consistently maintained that any individual identified as a Bangladeshi national should be repatriated through formal legal and diplomatic channels. This issue is slated to be discussed during director-general-level talks between the border forces of both countries in New Delhi from June 8 to 11.