A humanitarian crisis is unfolding at the India-Bangladesh border where 13 individuals, including women and children, have been stranded in the zero line between the two countries. The standoff began when the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) refused entry to these individuals, whom Indian authorities claim are illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. In response, India also denied them re-entry, leaving them caught in limbo.
Caught Between Borders
These 13 people were sent to the border by India on Wednesday, following the deportation of 67 illegal immigrants the day before. However, BGB refused to accept this group, citing sovereignty and security concerns. With neither country willing to accept them, they now remain stuck at the zero line in the Lalmonirhat sector.
Bangladesh Hits Back at India
Bangladesh has strongly opposed India’s recent push to deport undocumented migrants. A senior Bangladeshi military official warned that India’s actions violate international norms and that the Bangladeshi army is prepared to intervene if necessary. Dhaka has also expressed concerns about India’s border fencing projects and accused New Delhi of unilaterally escalating the issue.
Mass Deportations Raise Eyebrows
Reports from Bangladeshi media state that over 800 people have been sent back by India since May 7, including not only Bangladeshi nationals but also Rohingya refugees and alleged Indian citizens. The Indian government maintains that these individuals crossed over illegally and must be repatriated.
An Ongoing Border Dispute
India and Bangladesh share a 4,096.7 km-long border, much of which remains unfenced and porous. This has made illegal migration a long-standing issue. India has fenced approximately 3,232 km of the border, with plans to seal more. Bangladesh has consistently objected to these moves, viewing them as unilateral and aggressive.
Post-Haseena Government Adds to Strain
Relations between the two countries have worsened since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024. The interim government led by Mohammad Yunus has leaned closer to China and Pakistan, altering regional dynamics and pushing India-Bangladesh relations to the edge. The issue of illegal migrants is now just one of several contentious points between the two nations.
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