Bangladesh Worried Over 'Pushback' Crackdown After BJP's Big Wins In West Bengal, Assam

Dhaka: Following the Bharatiya Janata Party's electoral victories in Assam and West Bengal, unrest has intensified in neighbouring Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman-led government fears whether illegal immigrants will be forcibly deported following the BJP's victory in these two border states. Now responding to this query, the Bangladeshi minister said that they have instructed Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to remain vigilant along the borders to prevent any possible push-ins.

What did the Bangladesh minister say?

Bangladesh's Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday when asked if he feared an increase in pushbacks, or forced deportations of suspected illegal immigrants from India, following the BJP's victory in Assam and West Bengal, replied that "I hope no such incident (pushbacks) will happen."

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been instructed to remain vigilant along the borders to prevent any possible push-ins from India following BJP’s victory in the West Bengal Assembly polls.

What did Bangladesh say about action?

While talking to the reporters after the third session on the fourth and final day of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference at Dhaka's Osmani Memorial Auditorium, he said that have instructed Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to remain vigilant along the borders to prevent any possible push-ins.

"We have instructed the BGB to stay alert along borders. Although we do not see such a possibility, we have taken precautions in advance so that we can address the situation if it arises," he added.

What about the issue?

Illegal infiltration and "pushbacks" have always been a sensitive issue in India-Bangladesh relations. 

Earlier, before departing for a three-day visit to China, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on Monday regarding the Teesta Project had said that "Bangladesh cannot just sit idle. We have our own work to do."