Follow the protocol, don’t push people in

Bangladesh does not carry out push-ins like India and remains committed to resolving such border issues through diplomatic means, Home Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said yesterday.

He made the comments while speaking to reporters after inaugurating a floating border outpost at the confluence of the Raimangal river and Boyesing canal in Satkhira's Shyamnagar.

The adviser said Bangladesh believes diplomacy can prevent the push-in of individuals identified as Bangladeshis through different border points by India.

"Bangladesh always adheres to international laws and protocols," he added.

Jahangir said the issue has already been raised with Indian authorities through the foreign ministry. Diplomatic efforts are currently underway, led by Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain and Khalilur Rahman, the chief adviser's high representative for the Rohingya issue.

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"We have informed India that if any Bangladeshi is found staying in India illegally, they should be returned through the appropriate channels. Similarly, if there are any Indian nationals residing in Bangladesh without legal permission, we will repatriate them through the proper procedures.

"India has been urged to follow established protocols instead of conducting push-ins," the adviser said.

Jahangir said an attempted push-in occurred on Friday along the Brahmanbaria border, which was successfully resisted by the Border Guard Bangladesh with the help of Ansar and local residents. "If people in the border areas remain united and cooperative, India will not be able to carry out such push-ins."

The adviser also said India had recently demolished a Bangalee settlement in Gujarat, where some Rohingya from Bangladesh had also migrated.

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"Push-ins increased following the demolition. Among those India has attempted to push into Bangladesh are Rohingya members with UNHCR cards and even some identified as Indian Rohingya."

He confirmed that Bangladesh has submitted a protest note to India regarding the matter.

When asked by reporters whether Bangladesh is considering a push-back of the 370 individuals already sent in by India, the adviser said, "If they are our citizens, we do not have the right to push them back."

About the floating border out post, operated by BGB, he said, "The Boyesing Floating BOP is not just an infrastructure project—it is a strategic security measure, reflecting BGB's commitment to peace, stability, and public safety in border regions."

The adviser noted that a specialised Riverine Border Guard Battalion under BGB is currently in the works, aimed at establishing effective water-based surveillance.

"This initiative will play a transformative role in future border management," he said.

Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Hoque, director general of Bangladesh Coast Guard, and Maj Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, director general of BGB, were present at the event.