Bangladesh Urges India to Halt Border Push-Ins

Home Affairs Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has emphasized that Bangladesh strongly opposes India’s attempts to push individuals across the shared border. Speaking at the inauguration of the Boyesing Floating Border Outpost (BOP) in Shyamnagar, he reaffirmed that Bangladesh does not engage in such actions and favors diplomatic dialogue to resolve border tensions.

Diplomacy Over Confrontation

Bangladesh has already raised this concern with Indian officials through formal diplomatic channels. Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain and the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on the Rohingya issue, Khalilur Rahman, are leading these efforts. Chowdhury stated clearly that if Indian authorities identify any Bangladeshi nationals living illegally in India, they should be returned using the proper legal process.

He also mentioned that Bangladesh is open to returning any Indian citizens found within its borders without valid documentation, but only through formal procedures.

Local Unity Prevents Border Violations

The adviser referred to a recent incident at the Brahmanbaria border. Indian forces reportedly tried to push in individuals, but the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), along with local residents and Ansar personnel, successfully stopped them. According to Chowdhury, community cooperation plays a vital role in defending national sovereignty.

“If border communities remain alert and united, such actions can be effectively resisted,” he said.

Rohingya Issue Increases Complexity

Recent developments in India have added complications to the border situation. Chowdhury noted that Indian authorities demolished a Bengali settlement in Gujarat. Some of its residents included Rohingya who had crossed into India from Bangladesh. After the demolition, the number of push-in attempts increased.

Among those pushed towards the border were individuals carrying UNHCR refugee cards, and even some who are suspected to be Indian nationals. Chowdhury confirmed that Bangladesh has officially protested these actions.

Verifying Identity Before Repatriation

When asked about Bangladesh’s response to the 370 individuals already sent over by India, Chowdhury made it clear: “If they are Bangladeshi citizens, we will not push them back. But we must verify their identities first.” He insisted that both nations must follow international standards when repatriating undocumented individuals.

Strengthening Border Security with Floating Outpost

Chowdhury highlighted the strategic importance of the newly launched Boyesing Floating BOP. Positioned at the confluence of the Raimangal River and Boyesing canal, this outpost aims to boost surveillance and patrol capacity in riverine border areas.

“This floating outpost is more than a structure—it represents our commitment to peace and safety along the border,” he explained.

Future Plans for Riverine Border Defense

To further improve security, the government plans to launch a new Riverine Border Guard Battalion under the BGB. This specialized unit will focus on waterway patrols and border monitoring in hard-to-reach areas.

According to Chowdhury, this initiative marks a shift in border management. “We’re moving toward smarter, more flexible security systems that match the realities of our geography.”

A Call for Cooperation

The event was attended by top security officials, including Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Hoque, Director General of Bangladesh Coast Guard, and Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, Director General of BGB.

Chowdhury concluded by urging India to handle border concerns through mutual respect and communication, rather than unilateral action. “We stand for peace, cooperation, and respect for international law,” he said.