Bangladesh rejects push-ins, advocates diplomacy
Staff Reporter :
In a demonstration of Bangladesh’s commitment to resolving cross-border issues through diplomatic means, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury emphasised that Bangladesh does not engage in push-ins, in contrast to India.
Speaking to reporters following the inauguration of a new Border Outpost (BOP) in Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira, which aims to enhance border security, he reiterated that Bangladesh will continue to adhere to international laws and diplomatic protocols in addressing these matters.
“Bangladesh believes in a diplomatic solution to prevent the push-in problem along various borders with India. We have already communicated with India through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to seek resolution on this issue,” stated the Home Adviser.
He highlighted the active involvement of Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Dr Khalilur Rahman, the Chief Adviser’s High Representative for the Rohingya Issue and Priority Affairs, in ongoing diplomatic discussions aimed at addressing the situation.
Reaffirming Bangladesh’s position, the Home Adviser remarked, “We have requested India to repatriate any illegal Bangladeshi nationals through official channels.
Likewise, if any Indian citizens are found illegally residing in Bangladesh, they will be returned following proper procedures. We have clearly urged India to refrain from push-ins and instead utilise diplomatic means.”
The adviser acknowledged a rise in push-in attempts following the demolition of a Bengali settlement in Gujarat, where some Rohingyas from Bangladesh had reportedly sought refuge. “Among those being pushed in, some are UNHCR-registered Rohingyas, while others are Indian Rohingyas. We have formally protested to India regarding this matter,” he noted.
When questioned about potential retaliatory measures, he firmly stated, “If they are our citizens, we have no right to push them back. We will not engage in push-backs. Repatriation must adhere to legal procedures. Both push-ins and push-backs are unlawful.”
In terms of security measures, the adviser inaugurated the third floating BOP established by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
He described the floating outpost as a strategic security platform that enhances riverine patrols and surveillance in sensitive border zones. “The floating BOP is not merely an installation; it symbolises the BGB’s commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and public safety in border areas,” he remarked.
To further bolster border monitoring, the adviser announced the formation of a specialised ‘Riverine Border Guard Battalion’ under the BGB. This unit will focus on surveillance in water-bound border regions, particularly in the Sundarbans, and is expected to significantly enhance border management strategies.
The floating BOPs, including the newly inaugurated one in Shyamnagar, play a crucial role in preventing cross-border crimes such as smuggling, human trafficking, and other illegal activities. Of the 4,156-kilometre Bangladesh-India border, approximately 180 km is riverine, including 79 km in the Sundarbans.
This latest floating BOP marks the third installation, following earlier outposts at Kachikata and Atharobeki.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Rear Admiral Mohammad Ziaul Haque, Director General of the Bangladesh Coast Guard, and Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, Director General of the Border Guard Bangladesh.
Later, the Home Affairs Adviser also visited the BGB’s Neeldumur Battalion in Shyamnagar upazila.
