ISLAMABAD: Tensions have risen along the India-Bangladesh border following Dhaka’s accusations that Indian authorities are forcing thousands of people into Bangladeshi territory without formal procedures. New Delhi maintains it is deporting only verified illegal migrants through established bilateral channels.
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) reported foiling at least 10 attempted infringements by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in a single 24-hour period earlier this month. In one incident in Jhenaidah district, BGB claimed Indian forces tried to move 30 to 35 individuals towards Bangladeshi territory using a prison van after opening a border gate.
Dhaka has sent 12 to 13 formal letters to India protesting alleged “push-in” attempts. Bangladesh officials say they have intensified patrols and public awareness campaigns along vulnerable border sections.
Indian authorities, including the Ministry of External Affairs, have reiterated that all actions target undocumented migrants. Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that foreign nationals staying illegally, including from Bangladesh, are dealt with under Indian law through a bilateral verification mechanism.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that nearly 5,000 Bangladeshi nationals have been deported from the state in just over a month following the BJP government’s “Detect, Detain, Deport” campaign launched after its recent election victory. Another 836 individuals remain under verification in detention centres across 23 districts.
The India-Bangladesh border stretches 4,096 kilometres, one of the longest land boundaries in the world, much of it porous and riverine. Successive Indian governments have identified illegal migration as a long-standing security and demographic concern, particularly in eastern and northeastern states.
Government data from previous years indicated over 1,100 infiltration attempts and more than 2,500 related arrests in 2025. India has shared names of over 2,680 suspected undocumented individuals with Bangladesh for nationality verification, some cases pending for years.
Bangladesh has rejected several groups claiming they are not its citizens and insists on strict adherence to verification protocols before accepting any repatriations. BGB has heightened vigilance, describing some arrivals as “so-called Bangladeshi citizens.”
The dispute has emerged at a sensitive time as both countries seek to strengthen bilateral ties. High-level talks between border forces and officials are scheduled in the coming days, where migration management is expected to feature prominently.
Analysts note that the issue reflects deeper challenges in managing a densely populated, shared border where economic disparities drive movement. Informal cross-border flows have historically complicated formal diplomacy between New Delhi and Dhaka.
Market reactions in border regions remain cautious, with local traders reporting temporary disruptions in cross-border commerce. No major incidents of violence have been confirmed in the latest flare-up, but both sides have increased deployments to maintain order.
The situation underscores the need for expedited bilateral mechanisms to verify nationality and streamline repatriation while preventing humanitarian complications. Future developments will likely depend on the outcome of upcoming flag meetings and diplomatic engagements between the two neighbours.