Bangladesh Thwarts 36 Indian Border Push-in Attempts Since West Bengal Elections

Bangladesh's Border Guard (BGB) has successfully thwarted 36 attempts by India's Border Security Force (BSF) to push individuals into Bangladesh since the assembly elections in West Bengal concluded, according to Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. He informed parliament that between August 5, 2024, and the present, a total of 2,369 people were pushed into Bangladesh by the BSF. Of these, 2,175 were transferred to relevant police stations, 11 were returned to the BSF, and 183 were pushed back.

Responding to questions about government measures to curb border killings, push-in attempts, and narcotics smuggling, Minister Ahmed detailed ongoing efforts. These include high-level meetings, such as BGB-BSF director general conferences, aimed at achieving zero border killings. The BSF has been urged to utilize non-lethal weapons, and integrated patrols and surveillance have been intensified along sensitive border sections. The minister noted that the BSF has repeatedly pledged to cease using lethal weapons following diplomatic pressure from Bangladesh.

To enhance border security, Bangladesh has identified vulnerable stretches as high-risk zones and implemented movement controls. The BGB maintains continuous security across its areas of responsibility, establishing observation posts and strengthening night patrols to disrupt trafficking and smuggling. Modern surveillance technologies, including thermal imagers, night-vision devices, and CCTV systems, are deployed in riverine and hilly areas to monitor activities during darkness and fog. Drone surveillance is also employed in sensitive zones near the zero line and fencing to prevent illegal infiltration and border crimes. Furthermore, a Border Community Watch Group has been formed, and public awareness campaigns are being conducted to deter push-ins and smuggling.

In a separate response, Minister Ahmed described the killing of Bangladeshi citizens by the BSF as deeply tragic and a clear human rights violation. He confirmed that this issue has been strongly raised during bilateral border conferences. However, he stated there has been no specific institutional discussion or agreement regarding direct financial assistance from the Indian government.