Bangladesh announced on Thursday that it had successfully foiled several attempts by Indian authorities to push individuals into its territory over the preceding 24 hours, reigniting a contentious issue over alleged undocumented migration and straining efforts to improve bilateral relations between the South Asian neighbors. The border between the two countries is one of the longest land frontiers globally, spanning over 4,000 kilometers across diverse terrains, which makes effective policing challenging.
BGB Reports Multiple Infringements
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) reported detecting ten attempted violations by Indian authorities along various sections of the border. India's Border Security Force (BSF) and the Ministry of External Affairs did not respond to requests for comment. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which governs the Indian border states of Tripura, West Bengal, and Assam, has prioritized tackling undocumented migration. Since last year, it has been pushing Bengali-speaking Muslims, labeled as "illegal infiltrators," into Bangladesh.
Impact on Bilateral Ties
This issue has further complicated efforts by both nations to mend relations following the 2024 ouster of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh's long-time leader who was aligned with India. The BGB stated in a declaration that no individual or group would be permitted to enter Bangladesh illegally through the border, emphasizing that any attempt to violate international border management norms and bilateral understandings would be "strictly resisted."
Increased Patrols and Awareness Campaigns
Last month, Bangladesh's border guards intensified patrols and launched public awareness campaigns along parts of the frontier due to concerns that India was illegally forcing people into Bangladesh. Officials, rights groups, and analysts describe these actions as "push-ins"—informal transfers of people across the border without proper verification or repatriation procedures. In May, India's foreign ministry requested Bangladesh to verify the nationality of over 2,860 suspected Bangladeshis living illegally in India.
Incident in Jhenaidah
In a specific incident on the last day of the month in the southwestern border district of Jhenaidah, the BGB alleged that BSF personnel attempted to move 30 to 35 people toward Bangladeshi territory using a prison van after opening a border gate. The BGB reported that it forced the vehicle to retreat. Dhaka has repeatedly stated that any individual identified as a Bangladeshi national should be returned through formal legal and diplomatic channels, not driven across the border.
Upcoming Talks
The issue is expected to be discussed during director-general-level talks between the two countries' border forces in New Delhi from June 8 to 11, according to government officials in Dhaka.
