BGB calls for 'immediate halt' of push-ins by BSF; both sides agree on stronger border cooperation
The paramilitary raised these concerns during the four-day 57th BGB-BSF Director General-level Border Conference from 8 to 11 June in New Delhi
Border Guard Bangladesh has expressed concern over incidents in which India's Border Security Force allegedly pushed Indian nationals, including Rohingyas and Myanmar citizens, into Bangladesh.
Bangladesh border force also called for an immediate halt to such actions and urged the Indian side to follow existing bilateral mechanisms and protocols for the repatriation of individuals identified as Bangladeshi citizens.
The paramilitary raised these concerns during the four-day 57th BGB-BSF Director General-level Border Conference from 8 to 11 June in New Delhi, said a press release, signed by Md Shariful Islam, public relations officer of BGB headquarters, issued yesterday.
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BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui led a 14-member delegation. It included senior BGB officials as well as representatives from the ministries of home affairs, foreign affairs and shipping, the Directorate of Land Records and Surveys, the Joint Rivers Commission and other relevant agencies.
BSF Director General Praveen Kumar led a 12-member delegation.
The two sides also reached a preliminary agreement to hold the next director-general-level conference in Dhaka in November 2026.
Bangladesh raises concern over push-ins
The BGB strongly protested recent incidents in which Indian authorities allegedly pushed Indian nationals, Rohingya and Myanmar citizens into Bangladesh.
According to BGB, such actions violate existing bilateral agreements, the Coordinated Border Management Plan, joint guidelines and understandings reached during previous border meetings.
The BGB chief reiterated that Bangladesh would promptly accept any individual verified as a Bangladeshi citizen through established repatriation mechanisms and diplomatic procedures, but called on the BSF to immediately stop push-ins and follow agreed bilateral protocols.
In response, the BSF boss urged Bangladesh to expedite pending nationality verification processes and facilitate the repatriation of verified individuals.
Border killings remain a key concern
During the meeting, the BGB chief expressed deep concern over the deaths of unarmed Bangladeshi nationals by BSF personnel and Indian citizens along the border.
He urged the BSF to take effective measures to bring border killings down to zero, stressing the need for accountability and sustained efforts to ensure peace and normalcy.
In response, both sides agreed that such incidents could be addressed through sincere, coordinated and humanitarian approaches while adhering to existing laws.
They also agreed to strengthen border security measures, increase joint patrols, enhance surveillance and expand public awareness campaigns to prevent illegal crossings and reduce incidents of killings and assaults.
Both sides further agreed to investigate all cases of killings and attacks involving citizens of either country and take legal action against those found responsible.
Joint efforts against smuggling and narcotics
Bangladesh raised concerns over the continued smuggling of heroin, phensedyl, yaba, cannabis and other narcotics from India into Bangladesh.
The BGB also highlighted growing concerns over the smuggling of firearms, ammunition and other illegal goods, warning that such activities could undermine law and order and economic stability.
The Bangladeshi side proposed regular bilateral meetings between the heads of the two countries' narcotics control agencies.
The BSF said India follows a "zero tolerance" policy against drugs and transnational crimes.
Illegal migration, human trafficking, Rohingya issue
Responding to Indian concerns over illegal migration by Bangladeshi nationals and the movement of Rohingyas into India, the BGB chief said Bangladesh does not permit Rohingya or Myanmar nationals to use its territory for illegal entry into India.
He noted that BGB had detained Rohingyas attempting to enter Bangladesh illegally from India in several cases.
Both sides agreed to strengthen preventive measures against illegal cross-border movement, take tougher action against human trafficking networks.
Border infrastructure, fencing issues discussed
The conference also discussed disputes over border fencing and security-related infrastructure works.
The BGB referred to diplomatic notes sent by Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and alleged that in 39 cases BSF personnel or Indian citizens attempted to construct security-related fencing and cattle fences within 150 yards of the international border without authorisation.
The two sides also discussed activities of armed groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, unresolved border demarcation issues and unauthorised construction near the border.
They agreed to enhance intelligence sharing and continue discussions through existing bilateral mechanisms.
Concerns over misinformation
The BGB also raised concerns about the spread of false, distorted and misleading information related to religion and political issues.
Both countries agreed to encourage responsible reporting through their respective authorities and discourage the dissemination of rumours and misinformation.
Meanwhile, an alleged attempt by BSF members to push 12 people into Bangladesh was foiled by BGB personnel and locals at the Pragpur border in Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia around 5am yesterday.
