India has recently deported Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in the country, but the Bangladesh government and its security agencies have strongly objected to this move. Bangladesh has termed India’s action a violation of its sovereignty and a threat to national security.
On Tuesday, India deported 67 Bangladeshi nationals, but by Wednesday morning, 13 individuals remained stranded at the India-Bangladesh zero line, as Bangladesh refused to let them enter.
Rising Concern Over Number of Illegal Immigrants
- On May 26, a senior official from the Bangladeshi military warned that India’s act of forcibly pushing people across the border is unacceptable, and stated that military action could be considered if necessary.
- In 2016, then-Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju informed the Rajya Sabha that nearly 20 million Bangladeshi nationals were residing illegally in India.
- By April 30 of this year (2024), the BSF (Border Security Force) had handed over around 100 illegal Bangladeshi nationals to the BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh).
- However, according to Bangladeshi media reports, over 800 people have been forcibly pushed across the border since May 7 — reportedly including Indian citizens and Rohingya refugees.
Tensions in Lalmonirhat, Local Protests
On Wednesday morning, BGB troops and local villagers thwarted the BSF’s attempt to push 57 people across the border at six different points in Lalmonirhat district, which borders Cooch Behar district of West Bengal.
According to The Daily Star, 13 people, including women and children, remain stuck at the zero line — neither allowed to enter Bangladesh nor taken back by India.
Flag Meeting Between BSF and BGB Fails
BGB Battalion Commander Abdus Salam told The Daily Star that a request for a flag meeting was made to the BSF, but no positive response was received.
He said, “We are standing with the BGB and will not allow anyone to enter the country by force.”
