Khagrachhari, June 19 (V7N) — In a recurring violation of international border protocols, India has once again pushed 13 individuals into Bangladesh through the remote border area of Tanakka Para in Taindong Union under Matiranga Upazila, Khagrachari district. The incident reportedly took place late Wednesday night, with the individuals being taken into custody by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police early Thursday morning.

According to Khagrachari Deputy Commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam Khandaker, the pushed-in individuals are currently being sheltered at the Dipipara Achalong Government Primary School after preliminary interrogation.

Initial investigations revealed that the individuals had been detained in the Indian state of Maharashtra before being forcibly sent across the border by India’s Border Security Force (BSF). The circumstances under which they were held or transferred remain unclear.

This incident marks yet another case of illegal "push-in" — the term used to describe the unauthorized expulsion of foreign nationals across borders. It follows a series of similar incidents in recent months.

Just last month, India conducted four separate push-ins through different points along the Khagrachari border — Matiranga, Ramgarh, and Panchhari — bringing the total number of Bangladeshi and other nationals forcibly pushed into the country to 131 in just a few weeks.

Authorities have expressed concern over the repeated violations, citing potential humanitarian and security implications. “This kind of action not only breaches international norms but also puts immense pressure on local administrations and resources,” said a senior official familiar with border management.

Local sources report that the recent victims include men and women of various ages. It remains uncertain whether they are Bangladeshi nationals or undocumented individuals who had previously crossed into India in search of work or refuge.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka is yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, though experts are urging the government to raise the issue through diplomatic channels.

Such recurrent push-in activities not only strain bilateral relations but also risk escalating tensions along the sensitive border regions of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Background:
India and Bangladesh share a 4,096-kilometer-long border, the fifth-longest international boundary in the world. While both countries have a history of border cooperation, certain stretches, particularly in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, remain prone to illegal crossings, smuggling, and security concerns. Repeated push-in incidents highlight the need for stronger border management and bilateral coordination mechanisms.

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