The Indian government has taken a strong stance against illegal Bangladeshi infiltration across the border in the aftermath of the tensions with Pakistan. Recent reports suggest that the Indian Border Security Force has been actively sending back illegal Bangladeshis at various points along the 4096 km long border with Bangladesh. It is also reported that the BSF with the help of Indian Navy has sent back illegal Bangladeshis from India through both land and water since 7th May.
Border Guard Bangladesh, BGB, Chief said, “India is implementing a “well-crafted” plan to push-in people across the border and into Bangladesh, including Bangladeshi-origin individuals”. As per the BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, India also sent back registered Rohingya refugees. More than 400 alleged illegal Bangladeshis have been deported since May 7 at the time of Operation Sindoor which indicate a well crafted plan.
However, BSF has denied any role in these push-ins while the BGB claims that India has been pushing Bangladeshis holding Indian Aadhar Cards and documents and accused BSF of taking them away before sending them into Bangladesh.
As per reports, 28 individuals were detained by BGB on 17th May near Thakurgaon and Panchagarh borders who had been allegedly pushed in by BSF. But, the BSF has denied the allegations during a flag meeting with the Border Guards Bangladesh. BGB is now co-ordinating with Bangladesh police and handed the detainees over to them upon registering cases at the Thakurgaon and Panchagarh police station.
Names of the detainees as per BGB are – Taslima Khatun, 40, of Bagbati village in Kaliganj upazila of Satkhira, Marjina, 40, of Chitla village in Kalaroa upazila, Nirufa Begum, 40, of Shukra village in Kalia upazila of Narail, Sajida Khatun, 40, of Rajapur village in Sharsha upazila of Jashore, Zahidul Islam, 40, and Faizan Sheikh, 10 of Atrashi village in Sadarpur upazila of Faridpur, Omar Faruk, 37, of Domnakanti village in Shyambag upazila of Noakhali, Meem Akhter, 22, of Madanpur village in Bandar upazila of Narayanganj, Shahnaz, 34, of Chaurapara village in Sonargaon upazila, Tania, 35, of Balapurerchar village in Madhabdi upazila of Narsingdi and Aleya, 70, of Baundanga village in Terkhada upazila of Khulna.
BGB claims 320 people have been detained along the border areas of Khagrachari,Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Kurigram including Thakurgaon and Panchagarh.
BGB claims that they seek to resolve the issue with BSF and said that the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry have sent a letter to India upon the matter. It said, “We have always been following the international laws and protocols. We have already sent a letter to India through the foreign ministry to resolve the issue.”
