Bangladesh to Repatriate Illegal Indian Nationals via Legal Channels
| 2025-05-18
Bangladesh to repatriate illegal indians through legal, diplomatic steps
Bangladesh will repatriate Indian nationals staying illegally in the country through diplomatic and legal procedures, according to its home affairs adviser.
Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, Lieutenant General (Retired) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, announced on Saturday that any Indian nationals found living in the country unlawfully would be returned via established diplomatic channels and in accordance with international legal standards.
The comments were made during the inauguration of Bangladesh’s third floating Border Outpost in the southwestern district of Satkhira. The announcement was reported by Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the country’s national news agency.
Chowdhury stated that Bangladesh does not engage in what are commonly referred to as “push-in” tactics—informal border expulsions—reportedly used by India. Instead, the country prefers to resolve cross-border immigration issues through dialogue and adherence to legal procedures.
"Bangladesh has always abided by international laws and protocols," the adviser said, as quoted by The Dhaka Tribune.
He confirmed that Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already notified Indian authorities about concerns surrounding undocumented Indian nationals. Chowdhury also noted that ongoing discussions are being led by Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain and National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, who is also the Chief Adviser’s representative on Rohingya affairs.
Chowdhury stressed that a similar process would apply to Bangladeshi citizens found living illegally in India. “If any Bangladeshi citizen is residing in India illegally, they should be returned through proper channels,” he said.
The adviser urged Indian authorities to avoid informal deportation practices and instead coordinate repatriations through established bilateral mechanisms. “We have requested the Indian side not to conduct push-ins but to follow formal repatriation procedures,” he said.
The comments followed an alleged incident on Friday in which Indian personnel attempted to forcibly repatriate individuals along the border in Brahmanbaria district. Chowdhury claimed that the attempt was thwarted with the assistance of Bangladesh’s Border Guard (BGB), local Ansar security personnel, and members of the community.
“If the local community remains united and vigilant, such push-ins can be resisted,” Chowdhury remarked, highlighting the role of local residents in maintaining the integrity of the border.
Context:
The issue of illegal migration has long been a sensitive matter in India-Bangladesh relations. Both countries share a 4,096-kilometre (2,545-mile) border, making it one of the longest international frontiers in the world. Border management and cross-border migration have frequently caused diplomatic friction, especially when informal repatriations or security incidents occur.
Bangladesh has often emphasised a rules-based approach to border control, favouring negotiation over confrontation. Indian officials, meanwhile, have periodically expressed concerns about undocumented migration from Bangladesh, particularly into northeastern Indian states.
The latest comments by Chowdhury reflect Dhaka’s attempt to maintain a cooperative stance while asserting its right to a transparent and legal immigration process. The reaffirmation of diplomatic channels as the preferred route for resolving these issues underscores Bangladesh’s commitment to upholding international norms and preserving bilateral relations with India.
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