India continues push-ins; BGB tightens border patrols

India has continued to push people into Bangladesh by identifying them as Bangladeshi nationals, prompting growing concern among local residents and authorities.

Multiple incidents have been reported in recent weeks, with local officials and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) confirming unauthorised entries across several border points.

On Wednesday, 80 Indian nationals — including women and children — reportedly entered Bangladesh through the Matiranga and Panchhari upazilas in Khagrachhari.

In response, BGB has stepped up patrols and surveillance in the affected areas to curb further illegal entries.

Sources within BGB said that the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) pushed 29 individuals through the Shantipur border and another 19 through Achalong Para in Taindong Union. Additionally, 32 people were forced across the Ruposhi Para border in Panchhari upazila.

Reports suggest that BSF is gathering more Indian nationals in parts of Tripura in preparation for further push-ins.

In Kurigram, BGB detained 44 individuals in the border areas of Roumari and Bhurungamari upazilas early Wednesday. Of these, 30 were reportedly pushed in, including 22 suspected to be Rohingya. BGB is currently verifying their identities.

Following these developments, patrols have been reinforced along the Feni border, and intelligence operations have been intensified in all high-risk zones.

Separately, 78 individuals were allegedly pushed into the Mandarbaria area of the western Sundarbans in Khulna by the Indian Navy on Friday. They were transported to Mongla on Sunday aboard a Bangladesh Coast Guard vessel, with some carried in a wooden trawler due to limited capacity. The group is expected to arrive in Mongla by midday.

Initial questioning revealed that they were dropped near the Mandarbaria forest patrol post in Shyamnagar upazila and lacked valid Indian citizenship documents, leading to their forced entry into Bangladesh. Food and temporary assistance have been provided by the local forest division.

National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman stated that repatriation must take place through formal diplomatic procedures.

"This needs to be done through an official channel," he said. "We are reviewing each case individually, and we will only accept those whose Bangladeshi citizenship is confirmed."

He emphasised that unilateral push-ins are not an appropriate solution and noted that steps are being taken to engage with the Indian government on the issue.