By: Camp Correspondent
Dhaka, 25 June 2025 — Despite repeated diplomatic protests from Bangladesh, Indian authorities have reportedly pushed more than 1,600 individuals—including Indian nationals and Rohingya refugees—into Bangladeshi territory in just 49 days, raising serious concerns over violations of international norms and bilateral agreements.
Between 7 May and 24 June, a total of 1,638 people were allegedly forced across the border by India’s Border Security Force (BSF), according to information from a Bangladeshi government agency.
Among them were 110 Indian citizens and 64 Rohingya refugees registered with the UNHCR, who had previously been residing in India. These forced entries have sparked alarm in both humanitarian and diplomatic circles.
One Indian citizen, Minarul Sheikh, shared his harrowing account: “We were threatened by BSF personnel and told, ‘If you look around, you will be shot.’” He and three others were eventually returned to India, but most have not been as fortunate.
From 7 May to 17 June alone, 1,560 individuals were pushed across various border points. Of them, 1,475 were detained by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), 78 by the Coast Guard, and 7 by the Bangladesh Army.
The pushbacks occurred through multiple locations:
- Indian Nationals: Entered primarily through Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Kurigram, and Lalmonirhat. While 106 of the 110 were later repatriated, concerns remain about the process and justification.
- Rohingya Refugees: Mainly pushed through Kurigram and Moulvibazar. Only 15 out of 64 were returned.
In the most recent incident on Tuesday, 48 individuals were pushed into Bangladesh:
- 20 via Chhatak (Sunamganj)
- 19 via Jaintiapur (Sylhet)
- 7 via Patgram (Lalmonirhat)
Lt Col Md Nazmul Haque, commander of the 48 BGB Battalion in Sylhet, confirmed the detention of 19 people in connection with these latest push-ins. He stated that the BGB has intensified patrols and border surveillance, and has lodged formal objections with the BSF through flag meetings.
Earlier, on 19 June, another 30 individuals were reportedly pushed in via Matiranga (Khagrachhari), Feni, and Satkhira.
Despite the gravity and scale of the situation, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue any public statement, prompting criticism from observers who call for a firmer response to ongoing breaches of sovereignty and humanitarian standards.
