Bangladesh-India Stance on Push-Ins

The issue was prominently discussed on the second day of the four-day meeting, held on Tuesday, where both sides reiterated their respective positions on the matter alongside other border-related concerns, including the killing, injury, and alleged mistreatment of unarmed Bangladeshi citizens along the border.

According to diplomatic sources in Delhi, the BGB and BSF Directors General presented formal statements outlining their positions. The BGB delegation was led by Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiki, while the BSF delegation was headed by Praveen Kumar.

The Bangladesh side described the push-in practice as illegal, a violation of human rights, and contrary to international law. It emphasised that any repatriation of individuals must follow due process, including verification of citizenship, and must comply with humanitarian and international legal standards. Bangladesh also reiterated that unilateral pushing of people across the border, particularly under cover of darkness, is unacceptable.

India, through the BSF, maintained that action against undocumented foreign nationals is being taken strictly in accordance with domestic laws and established procedures. It further stated that deportations are conducted following bilateral mechanisms between the two countries. The BSF also reiterated that more than 2,800 Bangladeshi nationals had been handed over to the BGB through existing procedures, arguing that this reflects compliance with agreed protocols.

A recurring point of contention was the issue of “lists” of individuals proposed for repatriation. The BSF maintained that providing such lists often leads to procedural delays, while Bangladesh countered by highlighting steps taken over the past year to address returned individuals and related administrative processes.

Between 7 May 2025 and 26 January 2026, the BGB reported that 2,479 individuals were pushed into Bangladesh by the BSF. Among them, 120 were identified as Indian citizens. The data also indicates a renewed increase in push-in attempts from May onwards.

Key Figures Presented in the Talks

Other issues discussed during the conference included cross-border smuggling of drugs, arms, and prohibited goods from India into Bangladesh, prevention of human trafficking, violations of border laws, and unauthorised structures such as barbed-wire fencing within 150 yards of the international boundary.

In Dhaka, Jahid ur Rahman, an adviser to Tarique Rahman on information and broadcasting matters, commented at a press briefing that the push-in issue had been a factor in West Bengal’s political context. He stated that it was primarily an internal political matter of India, which has indirectly placed pressure on Bangladesh. He added that the current Indian government and the newly elected administration in West Bengal are both expected to work towards resolving the issue constructively.

He further expressed confidence that relations between the current government in Bangladesh, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus in the post–5 August political context, and the Government of India would help reduce tensions and lead to a quicker resolution of emerging border-related concerns.

The conference is scheduled to conclude with the finalisation of a joint record of discussions on Wednesday, followed by a joint press briefing on Thursday.