The Sovereignty Protection Council on Tuesday demanded an immediate end to illegal ‘push-ins’ by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and the repatriation of Indian nationals who have entered Bangladesh illegally.
The demand came during a citizen’s meeting titled “Halting Illegal Push, Humanitarian Corridor, and Enhancing Border Security” held at the National Press Club in the city.
Speaking as the chief guest, BNP chairperson’s adviser Professor Dr. Sukomal Bodhuya said India has continued illegal push-ins in clear violation of the 1975 India-Bangladesh border guidelines, the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) of 2011, and decisions taken at director general-level talks between BGB and BSF.
“These actions are unacceptable in the interest of peace and stability along the border,” he said.
He urged the government to intensify diplomatic efforts to force India to stop these invasions.
Keynote speaker Kader Gani Chowdhury, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) said despite repeated diplomatic communications and flag meetings between BGB and BSF, illegal push-ins have continued unabated, often through unofficial routes or without BGB's knowledge. "It appears India is deliberately provoking tension," he added
He also criticised the government's ‘policy-level decision’ to allow a ‘humanitarian corridor,’ arguing that such measures threaten national sovereignty and independence.
Council Coordinator MD Mostafa Al Ehzaz said that since the ousting of the autocratic government on August 5, India has shown clear signs of imperialist behavior.
He claimed that since the launch of "Operation Sindur" against Pakistan on May 7, BSF has pushed in over 2,000 men, women, and children into Bangladeshi territory across various border points.
He alleged that people are being moved from Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and Meghalaya to be pushed into Bangladesh through multiple points—not just one or two—indicating a well-planned agenda.
Former Justice Abdus Salam Mamun, who presided over the event, said, "There can be no compromise when it comes to the sovereignty and independence of the country.”
Major General (Retd) Amsa Amin, Brig Gen (Retd) ATM Ziaul Hasan, Lt Col (Retd) Khandaker Faridul Akbar, Major (Retd) Harunur Rashid, Brig Gen (Retd) Mofizur Rahman, Photojournalist Association President AKM Mohsin, and BAPA Joint Secretary Faridul Islam, among others, spoke at the event.