Dhaka Sends 13 Letters to Delhi to Stop Border 'Push-Ins': State Minister

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obayed has stated that the Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent 13 letters to New Delhi demanding an immediate halt to "push-ins" from India.

She made the remarks on Friday evening while responding to reporters' queries at a reception hosted by the Saltha Upazila Press Club in Faridpur, organized to honor her appointment as the State Minister for Foreign Affairs.

"Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) maintains a highly vigilant and firm stance. They are successfully resisting the push-in attempts being made from the Indian side," Shama Obayed said. "Meanwhile, our Foreign Ministry has dispatched 13 letters to Delhi urging a stop to these push-ins. There are clear policies and established mechanisms for any country to return or deport illegal citizens. We expect the Indian government to adhere to those mechanisms and guidelines."

The State Minister further added, "If there are any Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in India, they should utilize those policies and diplomatic channels to deport them through official routes.

Similarly, if any illegal Indian nationals are found in Bangladesh, we will repatriate them using the exact same protocols and mechanisms. We hope the Indian government will refrain from conducting push-ins under the cover of darkness. We are maintaining our diplomatic efforts and will resolve this issue through diplomacy."

Addressing journalists at the reception, Shama Obayed emphasized that journalism is a vital and sacred profession. She noted that while social media is becoming increasingly influential alongside mainstream media, the spread of misinformation and disinformation remains a challenge.

She pointed out that artificial intelligence and advanced technologies are sometimes being leveraged to manufacture and publish malicious news targeting specific parties, political opposition, or individuals. She assured that the BNP government remains highly vocal and vigilant against such practices.

The event, presided over by Saltha Press Club President Md. Nurul Islam and moderated by General Secretary Md. Saiful Islam, was attended by Saltha Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Dabir Uddin, Assistant Superintendent of Police (Nagarkanda Circle) Muhammad Al Fahad, Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mamun Sarkar, Saltha Police Station Officer-in-Charge Bablur Rahman Khan, and former Upazila BNP President Md. Siddiqur Rahman Talukdar.