BGB, BSF maintain differing positions on 'push-in' issue at DG-level talks
Bangladesh termed the alleged push-in attempts illegal, while India said it was repatriating undocumented foreigners under its domestic laws and existing bilateral mechanisms.
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India's Border Security Force (BSF) maintained their respective positions on the alleged "push-in" issue during the second day of Director General-level talks in New Delhi today (10 June).
Bangladesh reiterated that push-in attempts are illegal, while India said it was sending back foreigners staying illegally in the country in line with its domestic laws and established procedures.
BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui presented Bangladesh's position through a written statement during the four-day conference.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
On the hand, BSF Director General Praveen Kumar outlined India's stance.
Sources said the BSF delegation claimed Bangladeshi nationals staying in India without valid documents were being repatriated through existing mechanisms between the two countries.
The Indian side also alleged delays by Bangladesh in verifying the nationality of suspected undocumented migrants sent by India, saying the verification process often takes a long time.
Bangladesh, however, said it remained committed to taking back its citizens from any country, including India, once their citizenship is verified.
The two sides are expected to finalise the Joint Record of Discussions before holding a joint press conference tomorrow.
Other issues discussed during the meeting included preventing cross-border smuggling of drugs, weapons and prohibited goods, stopping human trafficking and addressing the construction of barbed-wire fences along the international border.
