Indian Border Security Force's Push-In Action Sparks Concerns.

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Sixty-six individuals have reportedly been pushed into Bangladesh through various border points in Khagrachhari's Matiranga and Panchhari upazilas by India's Border Security Force (BSF) since early Wednesday morning. Furthermore, 30 individuals were forced into Bangladesh via the Roumari border in Kurigram, all of whom lacked any form of passport or identification documentation.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has placed the Bengali-speaking individuals under custody and is currently verifying their citizenship and identity through relevant agencies. Once the process is complete, necessary actions will be taken in coordination with local administration and police. BGB has already lodged a strong protest against the BSF's push-in actions and proposed flag meetings to address the matter. If proven to be Indian citizens, the individuals will be sent back to India. Authorities have informed the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate further communication with the Indian government.

Khalilur Rahman, the interim government’s National Security Advisor and High Representative on Rohingya Affairs, criticized the push-in procedure, stating that it is an incorrect approach. Efforts to establish contact with the Indian government are underway. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday afternoon, he emphasized that each case is being reviewed individually. He assured that verified Bangladeshi citizens would be accepted, but only through formal procedures.

Local sources revealed that 27 individuals from three families entered through the South Shantipur border under Matiranga’s Shantipur BOP jurisdiction. Additional groups arrived through Panchhari’s Rupsenpara BOP area (24 individuals), Bitila BOP area (6), and Taindong in Matiranga (9)—adding up to the total of 66 push-ins. Speculations suggest more individuals might follow. Reportedly, some were flown from Gujarat to border areas before being pushed in by BSF, while others were moved to Tripura for similar actions.

Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner Nazmun Ara Sultana stated that these individuals are under BGB custody and will receive provisions until the matter is resolved.

In a separate incident, law enforcement detained 44 individuals, including 35 Rohingyas, who entered Bangladesh from India through Kurigram on Wednesday morning. In Roumari, authorities detained 21 Rohingyas along with nine Bangladeshis, while in Bhurungamari, 14 Rohingyas were apprehended. 

Lt. Colonel Mohammad Mahbub Ul Haque, Commander of Kurigram 22 BGB Battalion, confirmed the detainment of 14 individuals, including eight women and children, at Bhurungamari’s Bhawalkuri border. He noted that they were all Rohingyas and identity verification is in progress.