Push-In Unacceptable: Bangladesh Army Warns India Over Deportation Drive

International News: The Bangladesh Army has strongly objected to the action of 'push-in) of illegal Bangladeshi citizens by India. Brigadier General Mohammad Nazim-ud-Daula, director of the Director of Military Operations (MOD) of the Bangladesh Army, on Monday clearly stated that the method is "unacceptable" and the army is ready for intervention if needed.

"Currently, the border guard is handling this situation Bangladesh (BGB), but if the government gives instructions, the army is ready."

What is 'Push-in' controversy?

Illegal Bangladeshis living in India are being identified by BSF and are being assigned to Bangladeshi forces in the border areas. The Dhaka government calls this process 'Push-in', and considers it a violation of border treaties and diplomatic processes.

It has been said by Bangladesh that they will hand over any illegal Indian citizen to India only under the formal diplomatic process.

Statistics and circumstances

According to an estimate of the Government of India, around 2 crore illegal Bangladeshi are living in India (2016).

So far in 2024:

• 100 Bangladeshi has been handed over by April.
• A total of 295 people have been sent to Bangladesh so far this year.
• In January, Jaipur Police caught 500 Rohingya and Bangladeshis.
• Arrest of 1,000 Bangladeshis in Ahmedabad and Surat in April.

Border ground reality

• Total length of India-Bangladesh border: 4,096.7 km
• By February 2024, the fencing has been completed at 3,232 km.
• This border passes through rivers, islands, dense villages and complex terrains, which makes the surveillance difficult.
• Due to the Indo-Bangladesh Treaty of 1975, there are legal obstacles on complete fencing.
• The BGB itself has objected to installing barbed wires several times.
• Bangladesh's stance: 'We believe in diplomacy'

Take the advisor (retired) of Bangladesh's Home Affairs. General Jahgir Alam Chaudhary said on 18 May that if a Bangladeshi is living illegally in India, its return should be through formal diplomatic medium. He said that illegal Indian citizens living in India will also be returned to Bangladesh through statutory processes. National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman and Foreign Affairs Advisor Tauheed Hussain are in constant touch with India on the issue.

Army and government unanimously denied rumors

Brigadier General Nazim-ud-Daula also clarified that there is no conflict between the Army and Mohammad Yunus-led government. "Any family can sometimes have differences, but this does not mean that there is a split. The army and the government are completely united and are working as complementing each other."

India's position

Indian officials said that Bangladeshis living illegally across the country are being identified and returned through the eastern border. Recently, 41 -year -old Azad Sheikh, accused of killing a policeman in Kolkata, was identified as an illegal Bangladeshi citizen. Incidents of communal and social stress have come to light due to illegal infiltration in border areas like Malda, Murshidabad and Assam.

Supreme Court's comment

The Supreme Court of India directed the Assam government on 4 February 2024 to expedite the exile process of those who have been declared foreigners. However, the ground reality is very complicated. Illegal infiltration between India and Bangladesh and 'Push-in' diplomatic debate has now reached a warning of military reaction. This issue is becoming not only border security, but also becoming a major challenge for diplomatic balance and regional stability of both countries.