TDS Desk:

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday, July 16, accused India of violating bilateral agreements through ongoing push-in incidents at the Bangladesh border.

Speaking at the Foreign Service Academy during the inauguration of a month-long photography and graffiti exhibition marking the July Uprising, Touhid emphasised that such actions contravene established protocols between the two nations.

Addressing journalists, Touhid said, “Push-ins are happening, and this is clearly against the arrangements we have with India.”

He explained that a formal process exists for identifying and repatriating citizens through exchanged lists, but unauthorised push-ins bypass this system, constituting a breach of agreement.

Touhid affirmed Bangladesh’s willingness to take back its citizens, saying, “If they are our people, we will definitely repatriate them.”

He noted that Bangladesh recently facilitated the return of several citizens under the agreed framework and urged India to adhere to this system. “We insist they maintain this process. This is our expectation,” he added.

Regarding Indian citizens pushed into Bangladesh, Touhid was resolute: “They are their citizens, and India will take them back. There’s no reason for concern.” He pointed out that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also protested these push-ins, suggesting regional acknowledgment of the issue. However, he cautioned that repatriation would require time for proper processing.

Responding to questions about the interim government’s position on border killings, Touhid Hossain rejected suggestions that its initial hardline stance has softened. “Not at all,” he asserted. “We are clearly stating that no border guard force has the right to shoot and kill someone who violates the law at the border.” He demanded that those responsible for such killings face trial under Indian law, emphasising Bangladesh’s consistent protests against these incidents.

The advisor’s remarks highlight growing tensions over border management between Bangladesh and India. The push-in incidents, coupled with border killings, have strained bilateral relations, prompting Dhaka to call for adherence to agreed protocols and accountability for violations. As negotiations continue, Bangladesh remains firm in its commitment to protecting its citizens and upholding international norms at the border.