Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid :
Bangladesh has formally accused India of violating international law and diplomatic protocols by forcibly expelling undocumented individuals – among them women and children – into Bangladeshi territory under the cover of night, bypassing established legal and diplomatic procedures.
According to official sources and border authorities, numerous individuals, including Rohingya refugees, have been pushed across the border by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) without any prior notice or verification, in clear contravention of bilateral agreements and international conventions.
In one recent and alarming incident, a family of five reported being forcibly placed into the Feni River with their hands tied, allegedly by BSF personnel. The incident has intensified public outcry and placed additional strain on already fraying bilateral relations.
These actions are in direct violation of the 1975 Joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines for Border Authorities, the 2011 Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP), and commitments made during high-level meetings between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the BSF.
Experts further stress that the moves contravene multiple international conventions, including several under the United Nations framework.
India has acknowledged that over 2,360 undocumented individuals – allegedly of Bangladeshi origin – are currently awaiting deportation and has urged Dhaka to expedite nationality verifications.
At a press briefing on Thursday, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal stated: “These individuals have completed their jail terms and must be returned. We are awaiting the Bangladeshi side to complete the verification process.”
Bangladesh, while reiterating its willingness to repatriate verified nationals, insists that such actions must proceed through proper legal and diplomatic channels. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally lodged a protest with New Delhi, though Indian authorities have yet to respond.
Experts warn that India’s unilateral push-in approach undermines legal norms and bilateral cooperation. “What we are witnessing is not deportation but arbitrary expulsion,” said Prof. Amena Mohsin, former faculty member of the International Relations Department at the University of Dhaka. “This violates international law and human dignity.”
ALM Fazlur Rahman, former Director General of the BGB, described the push-ins as “entirely unlawful,” stressing that any repatriation must be coordinated, verified, and legally justified.
The controversy comes amid deteriorating ties between the two neighbours following the toppling of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government and the installation of an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus.
Reports suggest that India has granted asylum to Hasina despite Dhaka’s formal extradition request citing multiple criminal charges, including culpable homicide.
Further compounding tensions are reports that India has restricted cross-border trade through key land ports, effectively halting the entry of Bangladeshi exports into Indian markets-a move widely perceived as politically motivated.
Legal experts are urging Dhaka to escalate the matter through multilateral forums if diplomatic efforts fail. Prof. Md. Rabiul Islam of Jahangirnagar University stated, “India’s actions clearly breach the principles of the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and multiple international human rights treaties.
Arbitrary expulsions, particularly involving vulnerable groups, are unacceptable.”
He further explained, “Why can’t we push back the Rohingyas? Because it would violate Article 33 of the 1951 UN Refugee Convention.
If someone is persecuted or migrates due to pull factors and becomes undocumented in another country-such as India-they cannot simply be pushed back.
Doing so would infringe on that individual’s rights. Any such process must be handled through proper legal channels.”
When asked what actions Bangladesh can take, Professor Islam said: “Initially, Bangladesh should attempt to resolve the issue through diplomatic means.
If India refuses to stop, the matter can be raised in international forums for violating human rights.”
Regarding bilateral relations, he added: “India’s relationship with Bangladesh has been based on its own subjective interests, rather than a balanced diplomatic approach that respects sovereignty.”
Professor Amena Mohsin echoed a similar sentiment, expressing skepticism about any real improvement in bilateral ties based on mutual respect.
“I don’t believe the relationship will improve, especially in light of recent incidents like the push-ins and trade barriers,” she remarked.
As regional observers express concern over the growing rift, many warn that India’s current posture risks alienating it further in South Asia, particularly following recent tensions with Pakistan.
Despite these challenges, Bangladesh has reiterated its call for India to cease all illegal push-ins and return to a framework based on mutual respect, legal norms, and cooperative diplomacy.
