Bangladesh urges India to halt unilateral push-ins

Bangladesh has called on India to immediately cease the practice of unilaterally pushing individuals across the border, warning that such actions without due process risk undermining mutual trust and cooperation between the two neighbours.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a letter sent on May 8, urged Indian authorities to adhere to established repatriation mechanisms and follow formal channels when dealing with individuals suspected to be Bangladeshi nationals.

“Such push-ins fuel negative public sentiment and are unacceptable,” said a diplomatic source. “Bangladesh will only accept individuals who are proven to be its citizens and returned through proper procedures.”

The government stressed the need to preserve peace and stability along the border and warned that continued unilateral push-ins could jeopardise bilateral understanding and cooperation.

Speaking to journalists on May 7, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman reaffirmed the government's stance.

“We are examining each case individually,” he said. “Our policy is clear—we will receive only those individuals who can be verified as Bangladeshi citizens. This must be done through formal channels.”

Dr Rahman underscored that informal push-ins are “not the right approach,” and reiterated the importance of transparent, lawful coordination on all cross-border issues.

The call for restraint and formal engagement comes amid media reports of recent push-ins along various points of the Indo-Bangladesh border.