During the 57th Director General-level talks between India's Border Security Force (BSF) and Bangladesh's Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB), Dhaka raised concerns over the alleged pushback of illegal immigrants, claiming that legal protocols were not being followed. The BSF responded by highlighting nearly 3,000 pending requests for the repatriation of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and urged Dhaka to verify their nationality.
Key Discussions at the Talks
Both sides also discussed the issue of Rohingya infiltration and agreed to strengthen border security. Measures such as increasing joint patrolling, improving vigilance, and launching awareness campaigns were proposed to curb illegal crossings and border-related incidents.
BSF's Stance
The BSF emphasized the need for Dhaka to expedite the verification process for illegal immigrants, as thousands of cases remain unresolved. The force reiterated its commitment to following legal protocols but stressed that Bangladesh's cooperation is essential.
Bangladesh's Concerns
Bangladesh alleged that some illegal immigrants were being pushed back without proper documentation or due process, which violates bilateral agreements. The BGB called for greater transparency and adherence to standard operating procedures.
Agreed Measures
- Strengthened border security through enhanced surveillance and infrastructure.
- Increased frequency of joint patrolling along the border.
- Improved vigilance to detect and prevent illegal crossings.
- Launch of awareness campaigns to educate border residents about legal immigration procedures.
The talks concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to maintaining peace and security along the India-Bangladesh border. Further meetings are expected to address outstanding issues.
