Bangladesh has formally urged India to immediately halt the push-in of people across the shared border, warning that such actions endanger security and strain bilateral relations.
In a letter sent to New Delhi on May 8, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over reports of Indian authorities pushing individuals—allegedly including Rohingyas—into Bangladeshi territory.
The letter called on India to adhere to existing repatriation procedures and warned that continued push-ins risk destabilising border security and damaging public sentiment.
Diplomatic and security sources said the Border Security Force (BSF) of India reportedly pushed around 300 individuals into Bangladesh between May 7 and May 9. These incidents occurred across remote border points, including Panchari, Jamini Para, and Khedachhara in Khagrachhari; locations in Moulvibazar; Raumari char areas in Kurigram; and Mandarbaria Island in the Sundarbans.
"We are aware that attempts are being made to push in another 200 to 300 people," said Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), during a briefing at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday. He noted that the areas used are difficult to monitor quickly, making them vulnerable to such incursions.
In response, the BGB has intensified patrols and surveillance in the affected regions.
According to a foreign ministry official, the push-ins violate several bilateral agreements, including the 1975 joint border guidelines, the 2011 Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP), and understandings reached during BGB-BSF director general-level meetings.
The letter emphasized that Bangladesh would only accept individuals verified as its citizens through proper legal channels and rejected any attempts to offload Rohingya refugees, asserting that they should be returned to Myanmar—their country of origin—not Bangladesh.
"For peace and stability along the Bangladesh–India border, such unilateral actions are unacceptable and must be avoided," the letter said, also urging improved coordination between BGB and BSF to prevent future incidents.
