India’s border ‘push-ins’ is a violation of human rights: BGB Chief

The Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, on Monday accused India of carrying out systematic and deliberate "push-in" operations at the Bangladesh border, describing them as “well-planned,” “despicable,” and a clear violation of human rights.

Speaking to reporters following a meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Law and Order at the Secretariat, the BGB chief revealed that on May 7 and 8, the force apprehended 202 people pushed into Bangladeshi territory by India’s Border Security Force (BSF). “They did it in remote, unpopulated areas,” he said, adding that among those detained were 39 Rohingyas, many of whom were already registered at refugee camps in Bangladesh and had since been returned.

Alarmingly, five individuals found among the group were identified as registered refugees under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in India. “They should have remained in the country where they are registered. This act goes against international norms and is a violation of human rights,” Siddiqui said.

Despite BGB's protest, the BSF has reportedly denied involvement, suggesting that the individuals may have returned to Bangladesh voluntarily. However, BGB has formally rejected this claim, lodging a protest during a flag meeting and urging Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry to raise the issue with India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

“We will accept any Bangladeshi citizen through official procedures, not through clandestine push-ins,” Siddiqui stated. He also disclosed that BGB has intelligence on 200–300 more refugees gathered near the Indian side of Khagrachari border, who the BSF allegedly attempted to push in but failed due to heightened Bangladeshi vigilance.

In another incident, 78 people were found abandoned on a ship near Mandarbaria char in the Sundarbans. The Bangladesh Coast Guard is currently working to rescue them and facilitate their return to their home regions.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and continuing diplomatic efforts to address these violations,” the BGB chief affirmed.