Bangladesh prevents illegal entry, requires verification for repatriation from India

Bangladesh has successfully prevented all attempts at illegal border crossings and will not permit anyone to enter the country outside established legal procedures, according to Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. Speaking after a visit to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) headquarters, Ahmed asserted that not a single person has been allowed to enter Bangladesh through an illegal push-in, crediting the BGB and local residents for thwarting such attempts.

“

Not a single person has been allowed to enter Bangladesh through an illegal push-in.

Ahmed addressed reports of push-in attempts from India, stating that the matter would be discussed with the Indian central government, bypassing political activities by the newly elected West Bengal government. He clarified that if any Bangladeshi national is residing in India, Indian authorities must provide a list through the foreign ministry under the prescribed procedure. "We will conduct nationality verification. If the claim is found to be true, we will bring that person back through proper legal process. We will not allow anyone to enter through any other means," he stated.

The Home Minister also revealed that the government is considering constructing a barbed-wire fence along the Myanmar border, which is deemed highly vulnerable due to armed conflict and the activities of various insurgent groups. While a final decision has not yet been made, a proposal for the fence is under consideration. Ahmed noted that the security situation along the Myanmar border differs significantly from that with India.

“

We will conduct nationality verification. If the claim is found to be true, we will bring that person back through proper legal process. We will not allow anyone to enter through any other means.

He highlighted the instability caused by fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, as well as clashes involving other armed groups, which has placed Bangladesh in a difficult position. The presence of groups like the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army operating across the border means their internal conflicts often spill into Bangladesh, contributing to drug smuggling and cross-border gunfire that has occasionally resulted in Bangladeshi casualties. Amid concerns over landmine explosions along the border, the government has supplied mine-detection equipment to the BGB to prevent further accidents. Measures are also underway to strengthen the BGB through increased manpower and the procurement of new vehicles, equipment, and weapons to enhance border surveillance, intelligence gathering, and response capabilities.

“

We have not yet reached a final decision, but we have a proposal to construct a barbed-wire fence there.