HRW calls end to pushbacks through Bangladesh border

International human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for an immediate halt to the alleged pushback of Bengalis  from India into Bangladesh, expressing deep concern over what it describes as a growing humanitarian and human rights crisis along the border.

In a recent report, HRW alleged that Indian authorities have attempted to push nearly 5,000 people into Bangladesh since June 1 without due legal process.

According to the organization, many of those targeted were labeled as “illegal migrants” without being given an opportunity to challenge the allegations or present their case before the authorities.

The rights group said the reported pushbacks have left several families stranded in the border “zero line” between the two countries, creating severe humanitarian conditions. In one case highlighted by HRW, several families were reportedly forced to remain in the Panchagarh border area for nearly 75 hours without adequate food, drinking water, or shelter.

HRW also raised concerns that some of those affected possessed valid Indian identification documents, suggesting that citizenship and residency claims were not properly verified before attempts were made to remove them.

HRW urged both India and Bangladesh to take immediate steps to address the situation through diplomatic engagement and coordinated humanitarian measures. The organization called on the two governments to ensure the safety, dignity, and basic rights of those stranded along the border and to prevent further escalation of tensions.