DHAKA, Aug 28: India clarified on Thursday that only “illegal intruders” are being sent back to Bangladesh through due legal procedures.
This statement was made by Border Security Force (BSF) Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary during a joint press conference with Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) chief Maj Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui at the conclusion of their four-day, bi-annual border talks in Dhaka.
Chawdhary said that 550 people had been repatriated so far, and verification had been completed for 2,400 cases with the help of the Bangladesh High Commission in India. He emphasized that push-ins are conducted via a well-established, legal repatriation mechanism between the two countries.
The issue of border killings, a long-standing point of tension, was also discussed. Siddiqui cited the case of a Bangladeshi boy allegedly shot dead by BSF. In response, Chawdhary defended BSF actions, saying lethal force is only used as a last resort when lives are at risk.
He revealed that in the first half of 2025, 35 BSF personnel were seriously injured by sharp weapons wielded by intruders. He also noted BSF’s standard engagement protocol: issue warnings, obstruct, and fire only as a final step.
Both sides agreed to collaborate on awareness campaigns, socio-economic development projects in vulnerable border regions, and criminal prevention efforts to reduce violence and deaths to zero. They also reiterated zero tolerance towards terrorism and insurgency, and discussed the need for permanent border pillars at Muhurir Char and demarcation of riverine borders.
Additionally, both parties agreed to improve coordination, avoid airspace violations, and guide media outlets in both countries against spreading misinformation that could escalate tensions.
The Bangladesh delegation included 21 members, while the Indian side had 11 delegates led by the BSF chief. (PTI)
