BNP chairman's adviser Moazzem Hossain Alal on Sunday said the people of Bangladesh are united against push-ins across the border, as he sounded out India over the border situation.

Speaking at a rally organised by the Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal in front of the National Press Club, Alal said Bangladeshis have stood alongside border guards in resisting push-ins.

“The most reassuring aspect for Bangladesh is that if there are five BGB members at the border, five thousand Bangladeshis are present trying to resist push-ins. But on the Indian side, no native citizen is seen standing with the BSF. People from all walks of life in Bangladesh have become united in resisting these push-ins. India must stop this immediately,” he said.

Alal said Bangladeshis are known for their hospitality and warmly welcome visitors.

“The people of Bangladesh are hospitable. When someone comes to this country, they are welcomed. But if someone wants to stay here indefinitely, the people of this country also know how to show them the way out,” he said.

Referring to India’s role during Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971, Alal said Bangladesh acknowledges India’s support during that period.

At the same time, he cited the examples of Vietnam and Afghanistan, saying even major powers failed to maintain a lasting presence there.

“Neither the United States, nor the Soviet Union, nor Russia could remain in those countries. Entering Bangladesh is very easy, but leaving Bangladesh is much more difficult,” he said.

Commenting on the push-in issue, Alal said if there is so much interest in sending people to Bangladesh, India could send the Chief Minister of West Bengal because his ancestral home is in Barishal.

“He would be welcomed and treated with respect. We do not behave the way you do,” he said.

The BNP leader also alleged that divisions are being created in India in the name of religion.

“You are creating divisions in the name of religion. The treatment of minority Muslims in India is being condemned across the world,” he said.

Alal said Bangladesh’s relations with India would be guided by national interests and dignity.

“Our relations with India will be based on national interest, national priority and mutual respect. Friendship will come after that. This principle applies not only to India but to every country in the world. Bangladesh’s dignity must come first in our diplomacy,” he said.

Among others, BNP Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu and Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal President Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat attended the rally.