Bangladesh protests push-ins, asks India to follow proper channels: Home adviser

Bangladesh has officially protested the recent increase in border push-ins by India and urged the neighbouring country to follow proper procedures while returning individuals believed to be Bangladeshis, Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said today.

"We have protested the push-ins at the border," he told reporters while attending a programme at the Rajshahi Prison Training Centre.

"We have told India to send Bangladeshis back through proper channels. If they do, and if the individuals are our citizens, we will accept them. But they are not doing that," he said.

He added that high-level meetings had been held with Indian authorities to address the issue.

Regarding security at the border, the adviser said, "Our forces are prepared to deal with any situation. There is no shortage of security."

On the issue of rising incidents of theft, robbery and snatching across the country, he said the law and order situation has not deteriorated.

"If a matter is repeatedly reported, the neighbouring country may try to take advantage," he said, adding that overall security has improved and additional measures are being taken ahead of Eid.

A total of 18 new deputy jailers and 508 new male and female prison guards took part in the concluding parade.

Despite formal diplomatic protests lodged by Dhaka, the push-in incidents have continued in several border points.

BSF pushes in 54 more thru three borders

The Border Security Force (BSF) of India pushed 54 more individuals into Bangladesh through Satkhira, Kurigram, Chapainawabganj borders today, according to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

In Satkhira, BSF has pushed in 23 people through the Kushkhali border. They have been rescued and kept at the headquarters to verify their identities, Abdullah Al Masum, assistant director of BGB-33 battalion, said.

In Kurigram, tension erupted along the Rowmari border in Kurigram following a push-in attempt of 14 people by the BSF.

In Chapainawabganj, seventeen more people were pushed into Bangladesh by the BSF through Bibhishon border of the district, reports UNB. 

They were detained by the BGB members and later handed over to police, BGB said.

According to media reports, over 400 people were pushed into Bangladesh between 4 May and 22 May from India.

Govt plans to establish 'Correctional Industrial Parks' 

At the programme, the home adviser also spoke about ongoing reforms in the prison system. "A policy decision has been taken to transform prisons into correctional facilities," he said.

Highlighting the interim government's reform agenda under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, the home adviser said the administration plans to establish "Correctional Industrial Parks" to offer inmates skills training and income-generating opportunities.

"This will allow them to support their families while in custody," he said.

To further enhance prison security, the adviser announced the introduction of advanced technologies, including mobile jammers, separate internet systems, body scanners, luggage scanners, and circuit detectors.

Prior to that, the adviser inspected the parade and later awarded prizes to the top-performing trainees. He also conferred rank badges on the newly appointed deputy jailers.