Will ‘push-in’ issue strain Bangladesh–India diplomatic relations?

The ongoing “push-in” incidents along the Bangladesh–India border have sparked fresh debate over whether they could undermine efforts to improve bilateral relations between the two countries, even as both sides engage in high-level diplomatic talks.

Border tensions escalated further after the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) reported stopping another attempted push-in at Roumari border in Kurigram on Sunday night. At the same time, India’s Border Security Force (BSF) reportedly sent back groups of people gathered along the Panchagarh and Thakurgaon borders after repeated failed attempts to push them into Bangladesh, BBC Bangla reported.

These developments come as the 57th director general-level meeting between BGB and BSF is underway in New Delhi, where border management, illegal push-ins, and border killings are key agenda items.

Indian West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has claimed that around 4,800 alleged undocumented migrants have already been sent to Bangladesh, with another 836 reportedly held in holding centres awaiting “push-back” procedures.

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Bangladesh sent 12 letters to India to stop push-ins at border: Shama

Amid rising tensions, questions are being raised in both countries about why push-in attempts have increased at a time when Dhaka and New Delhi are seeking to normalise relations following recent political changes in Bangladesh and renewed diplomatic engagement.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Bangladesh has sent 12 to 13 letters to India protesting the push-in attempts and urged New Delhi to follow proper legal and diplomatic procedures for repatriation of undocumented individuals.

“If India takes these incidents seriously, it will help improve bilateral relations,” she said, adding that Bangladesh expects India to address the issue through established diplomatic mechanisms.

Experts and former diplomats suggest the timing of the incidents is significant, as both countries are preparing for discussions on key unresolved issues such as the Teesta water-sharing agreement and the Ganges treaty.

Analysts argue that the increased push-in activity across multiple border points may reflect broader geopolitical signalling or bargaining pressure ahead of negotiations.

However, officials in Dhaka maintain that the government is handling the situation through diplomatic channels while reinforcing vigilance at the border through increased BGB deployment across 26 districts.

While both sides continue to express interest in improving ties, the recurring border incidents have added fresh strain to already sensitive relations, raising uncertainty over whether ongoing diplomatic efforts could be affected in the long term.