Bangladesh says it can’t physically stop forced push-ins from India
Over 2,000 alleged undocumented migrants pushed since last month, Bangladesh says many are Indian citizens
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Bangladesh has acknowledged that it cannot physically prevent ongoing “push-ins” by India, where thousands of alleged undocumented migrants — some of whom are Indian citizens — have been forced across the border in recent weeks.
The development follows India’s aggressive crackdown on so-called ‘illegal migrants’ in the wake of the Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir , which killed dozens of tourists. Since then, Indian authorities have reportedly pushed more than 2,000 people into Bangladesh through fenced yet porous border areas without prior coordination.
Foreign ministry adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters in Dhaka on Tuesday that while push-ins are continuing, Bangladesh is trying to address the crisis through diplomatic channels.
“There are reports of push-ins from India. It is not possible to prevent this physically,” he said. “We are exchanging letters with India, asking them to follow proper procedures.”
According to Hossain, India has claimed that Bangladesh has failed to verify a list of individuals it considers Bangladeshi nationals. However, Dhaka says it has examined the list and has already accepted those who could be verified as Bangladeshi citizens.
The adviser added that Dhaka is preparing to send another official letter outlining the agreed-upon procedure and pushing for a return to formal consular protocols. “We are trying to bring these matters within a formal framework,” he noted, emphasizing that both sides have long-standing lists that often do not match.
Since the push-ins began last month, Bangladesh has repeatedly requested India to stop the informal expulsions, warning that such unilateral actions violate established border protocols.
Asked about rising concerns over the killing of unarmed civilians along the border by Indian forces, Hossain responded firmly: “There is no question of leniency. These killings are being strongly protested, and we will continue to do so in the strongest terms. Nowhere else in the world are border forces allowed to shoot and kill civilians in this way.”
On a separate issue, the adviser called India’s cancellation of a key transshipment facility “a blessing in disguise,” stating that it reduced Bangladesh’s dependence on its neighbor.
He added that Dhaka had also suspended imports of Indian threads in what he described as a reciprocal measure based on national interest.
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