Bangladesh does not engage in “push-ins” like India but believes in resolving issues through diplomacy, said Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.
He made the remark while speaking to journalists on Saturday morning after inaugurating the Border Outpost in Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira to strengthen border security.
The adviser said Bangladesh is committed to diplomatic measures to prevent push-in incidents along its various borders. “Bangladesh has always abided by international laws and protocols,” he said.
He added: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already written to India regarding the matter. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain and National Security Adviser and Chief Adviser’s High Representative on Rohingya Affairs Khalilur Rahman are maintaining diplomatic communication on the issue.
He said that India has been informed that if any Bangladeshi citizen is residing in India illegally, they should be returned through proper channels. Similarly, if any Indian nationals are found to be staying in Bangladesh without authorization, they will be repatriated following legal procedures.
He added: “We have requested the Indian side not to conduct push-ins but to follow formal repatriation procedures.”
He added that on Friday, an attempt was made by India to push in individuals along the Brahmanbaria border, which was foiled with the help of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar members, and local residents.
“If the local community remains united and vigilant, such push-ins can be resisted,” the adviser said.
Referring to recent developments in India, Lieutenant General (Retd) Chowdhury said: “India has dismantled a Bengali slum in Gujarat, which also housed some Rohingyas from our country. After that operation, the push-ins began.”
He added: “Some of those being pushed into Bangladesh hold UNHCR cards, and some are Rohingyas from India being forcibly sent back here. We have lodged a formal protest in response.”
When asked whether Bangladesh plans to reciprocate India’s push-in of 370 individuals by conducting pushbacks, the adviser said: “If they are our citizens, we have no right to push them back. As for illegal Indian nationals staying in our territory, we will not engage in pushbacks either.”
He added: “We will return them through the appropriate legal channels. Push-in or pushback is not a lawful process.”
The home affairs adviser also highlighted the operational importance of the floating BOP, operated by BGB, calling it a strategic initiative for strengthening surveillance and patrol operations in the riverine border areas.
“Boyesing Floating BOP is not just a structure—it represents a strategic security step, reflecting BGB’s commitment to peace, stability, and public safety along the borders. This initiative will play a key role in establishing a new security culture and enhancing effective border management,” said the adviser.
He further said that steps are underway to form a special “Riverine Border Guard Battalion” under BGB to ensure more effective water-based surveillance, which will significantly improve future border operations.
“Given the vast wetlands and river-bordered areas of the Sundarbans, regular patrols and maintaining security on land are extremely difficult,” he said.
He added: “This floating BOP will enable BGB to respond swiftly and effectively to crimes such as smuggling, human trafficking, forest resource looting, and other border offences.”
Faisal Hasan, director (Public relations) at the Ministry of Home Affairs, informed that out of the 4,156-kilometre-long Bangladesh-India border, about 180 kilometres are riverine, including nearly 79 kilometres in the Sundarbans region.
He added: “Previously, two floating BOPs were established at Kachikata and Atharobeki. In continuation of that effort, Boyesing was inaugurated on Saturday as the third such installation.”
The inauguration ceremony of the Boyesing Floating BOP was attended by Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Haque, director general of the Bangladesh Coast Guard, and Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, director general of the BGB.
Later, the adviser visited the Neeldumur Battalion of BGB in Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira, where he planted a tree and addressed the members of the battalion with a goodwill message.
