We Use Diplomacy, Not Push-In Tactics: Home Adviser

Bangladesh does not carry out “push-ins” like India but believes in resolving such issues through diplomatic channels, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday.

“Bangladesh believes in a diplomatic solution to border push-in problems. We have always followed international laws and norms. A formal letter has already been sent to India through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the adviser told reporters after inaugurating a floating Border Outpost (BOP) in Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira to strengthen riverine border security.

He said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Dr Khalilur Rahman, the Chief Adviser’s High Representative for Rohingya Affairs, have remained in contact with Indian authorities to diplomatically address the issue.

The Home Adviser stated that Bangladesh has requested India to return any illegal Bangladeshi nationals through legal procedures. “If Indian nationals are found residing illegally in Bangladesh, they will also be returned through proper channels. We have clearly urged India to avoid push-ins and resolve matters through diplomacy,” he said.

Push-in attempts reportedly intensified after India demolished a Bengali settlement in Gujarat, where some Rohingyas from Bangladesh had also sought refuge. “Among those being pushed in are card-holding Rohingyas registered with UNHCR, as well as Indian Rohingyas,” the adviser said, adding that a formal protest note has been issued to India.

Asked whether Bangladesh plans to push back 370 individuals in response to India's alleged actions, he said, “If they are our citizens, we cannot push them back. We believe in the law and will act accordingly. Push-ins or push-backs are not legal methods.”

Regarding the newly launched BOP, the adviser said the floating outpost operated by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is a key operational platform to bolster surveillance and patrols in riverine areas. “It is not just a facility, but a strategic tool that reflects our commitment to peace, stability, and public safety along the border,” he said.

He added that steps are underway to form a specialised ‘Riverine Border Guard Battalion’ under the BGB to enhance water-bound border monitoring, particularly in the Sundarbans region. This, he noted, would mark a transformative step in border security.

The adviser further pledged to prevent any unauthorised political activities, stressing that no group would be allowed to exploit border regions.

The floating BOPs aim to help BGB promptly respond to cross-border threats such as smuggling, human trafficking, and other criminal activities.

Of the 4,156-kilometre-long Bangladesh-India border, around 180 km is riverine, including about 79 km across the Sundarbans. Two floating BOPs have already been established in Kachikata and Atharobeki. The newly inaugurated one is the third of its kind.

The inauguration was attended by Director General of Bangladesh Coast Guard Rear Admiral Mohammad Ziaul Haque and BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui. Later, the Home Adviser visited BGB’s Neeldumur Battalion in Shyamnagar.