Tension on border: Bilateral trust crisis not desirable

Tensions are rising along the Bangladesh-India border over the illegal push-in of people from India into Bangladesh.

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) is continuously trying to push-in people through various borders while the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is preventing it with the help of local people.

While the two countries are giving positive messages about further strengthening bilateral relations, some of India’s unilateral actions and recent decisions on the border are casting a new shadow of discomfort and bitterness on the long-standing relations between the two neighbours.

This sensitive border crisis is not only creating a crisis of trust in the bilateral relations of the two countries, but has also become a major obstacle to regional stability.

There have been reports of many being kept in holding centers for interrogation in the name of identity verification, creating mental stress.

According to media reports, the BSF attempted to illegally push in at least 10 points along the border from Wednesday morning to Thursday morning.

Due to the strict stance of the BGB, all the push-in attempts failed. India is our largest neighbour. Bangladesh has always been interested in maintaining good relations with India.

If there are any Bangladeshi infiltrators in India, Bangladesh will definitely take them back.

In that case, there are specific international rules and regulations, there are rules and regulations for joint border management; they must be followed.

The problem must be resolved on the basis of the existing laws of both countries and bilateral agreements.

Pushing some people across the border without informing Bangladesh cannot be desirable in any way.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that the government has taken a strict stand against illegal push-ins.

We have BGB alert at the border. If India claims that any Bangladeshi is there illegally, they will be brought back through proper legal process after confirming their identity. But, he stated that we will not accept forcible pushing.

Experts also said the way people are being forcibly pushed back, in violation of international border laws and humanitarian norms, is by no means normal.

So, Bangladesh must remain on the highest alert and strictest footing in securing the country’s borders.

Amidst this situation on the border, the 57th Border Conference at the level of BGB and BSF Director Generals is going to be held in New Delhi, India from June 8 to 11.

We believe that all efforts should be made to reach an effective solution to the issue there.

Until then, both sides should face the situation patiently by adhering to international border management and related laws and regulations.