The recent accusations against India regarding the forcible expulsion of undocumented individuals, including vulnerable women and children, to Bangladesh highlight a troubling breach of international law and diplomatic protocols.
As per a report published in The New Nation on Saturday, families being pushed across the border under the cover of night, particularly the alarming incident involving a family of five allegedly thrown into the Feni River with their hands tied, are deeply concerning.
Such actions not only contravene bilateral agreements but also undermine the principles of human dignity and legal norms.
The 1975 Joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines for Border Authorities and the 2011 Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) were established to foster cooperation and ensure the humane treatment of individuals at the border.
India’s recent unilateral actions, described by experts as arbitrary expulsions rather than lawful deportations, threaten to erode the trust that has been painstakingly built over decades.
The assertion by Indian officials that over 2,360 undocumented individuals are awaiting deportation, while urging Bangladesh to expedite nationality verifications, raises questions about the adherence to established legal processes.
As Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally protests these actions, both nations must engage in constructive dialogue.
The current tensions, exacerbated by political changes in Bangladesh and India’s asylum grant to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, further complicate an already fragile relationship.
The restriction of cross-border trade, perceived as politically motivated, only adds to the strain.
Legal experts have rightly pointed out that arbitrary expulsions violate the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and other international human rights treaties.
The principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the return of individuals to places where they face persecution, must be upheld. Bangladesh’s willingness to repatriate verified nationals through proper legal channels should be respected, and any actions taken must align with international standards.
As regional observers express concern over the growing rift, India must reconsider its approach. A balanced diplomatic strategy that respects the sovereignty of both nations is essential for fostering stability in South Asia
The call for mutual respect and cooperative diplomacy must be heeded, lest the current tensions escalate further, alienating India from its neighbours and undermining regional harmony.
In these challenging times, dialogue and adherence to international law are not only preferable but essential for the future of India-Bangladesh relations.
