June 2, 2026
DHAKA – Bangladesh will strongly resist any attempts of push-ins of unverified Bangladeshis by India, said State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed today.
“The BGB has firmly resisted three to four ‘push-in’ attempts, and they will continue to do so whenever such attempts are made,” she told reporters at the foreign ministry.
The so-called irregular Bangladeshi migrants became an issue in the run-up to elections in West Bengal and Assam.
Indian media last week reported that hundreds of alleged Bangladeshis had gathered over the previous two days at Hakimpur in India’s West Bengal, hoping to cross the border as authorities tightened enforcement.
AFP on May 29 reported it was part of the BJP’s election campaign to “detect, delete and deport” illegal migrants in Assam and West Bengal. BJP won in both states.
Besides, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs recently wrote a diplomatic note alleging that it had not received an “actionable response” from Bangladesh regarding the repatriation of 2,868 suspected illegal Bangladeshi migrants since September 2020.
Foreign ministry officials said Bangladesh repatriated many Bangladeshis over the years, and that there are issues with the Indian side as well, in terms of having consular access, legal procedures and mismatches of names in the list of alleged Bangladeshis.
Dhaka has already responded in detail in diplomatic letters — one on May 12 and the other on May 27, they said.
Shama Obaed said push-ins go against the international laws as well as the India-Bangladesh treaty on border management.
“We will in no way accept push-ins [by India],” she said.
Shama Obaed said Indian authorities, after the West Bengal election, told Bangladesh they will not push in any Bangladeshis.
“We expect the Indian government to play a role, as it is speaking of a paradigm shift in relationships. It should be positive.
“If not, we will discuss this at a political and diplomatic level and address them.”
The BGB and BSF director-level meeting, which will be held in Delhi on June 8-11, will discuss all these issues, Shama Obaed said.
She welcomed the Indian statement on the death anniversary of BNP founder President Ziaur Rahman, paying tribute to his memory.
She said the prime minister has already formed a special committee, headed by the home minister, for Myanmar-Bangladesh border security.
The BGB, navy and other intelligence agencies are working dedicatedly on the border. The border security has been beefed up and will continue, she added.
Asked about the prime minister’s overseas visit, she said the PM will visit not only India, but all the South Asian countries as well as China. No date or country of visit has been finalised.
“From day one, the prime minister is placing importance on regional countries,” she added.
Shama Obaed expected Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman to win the UN General Assembly Presidential election to be held on June 2 in New York.
“His victory will open a new door for Bangladesh,” she added.
Asked whether Khailur Rahman will be on leave or resign if elected in the UNGA polls, she said there is no rule stating that he cannot remain foreign minister if he is elected president to the UNGA. The PM will make the decision.
