|| MM Rahmatullah: Tensions along the India–Bangladesh border have intensified in recent weeks amid renewed allegations of “push-in” attempts of individuals into Bangladesh by Indian border forces, according to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officials and local reports. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) claims it has recently foiled multiple attempts by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to send more than 100 individuals across the border through the Benapole area in Jashore district. According to a BGB official cited by local correspondents, some of those allegedly involved included men, women, and children, who were gathered near the border before being moved toward the zero line. Reports also suggest that in one incident, several individuals were left in a vulnerable situation near the frontier, including a 9-month-old infant, after being moved toward the border area. Similar incidents were reported in late May at other border points, including Rowmari in Kurigram, where tensions reportedly escalated between BGB and BSF personnel over attempted cross-border movement of individuals. According to aggregated figures cited by different sources, thousands of people have allegedly been pushed into Bangladesh over the past year. However, there are discrepancies in the data: one set of statistics suggests 2,463 individuals entered Bangladesh between May 2025 and May 2026, while BGB headquarters data reportedly place the figure at 2,344 during a slightly shorter timeframe. The reports also indicate that among those affected were individuals identified as Rohingyas, including some registered with the UNHCR in India. BGB officials, however, maintain that no new push-in incidents have been recorded since late January this year. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has stated that the government opposes any form of illegal push-in or push-back at the border. He noted that if any Bangladeshi citizens are to be repatriated, it must be done through proper legal channels involving identification and official diplomatic communication between the two countries. He further added that no formal list for repatriation is currently pending with the Bangladesh government. Border management and security issues are expected to feature prominently in the upcoming 57th Director General-level talks between BGB and BSF, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from June 8 to June 11. According to BGB headquarters, the discussions are expected to focus on border killings, alleged illegal crossings, and mechanisms for the safe repatriation of individuals. Human rights reports have also highlighted concerns over border fatalities. According to Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK), 34 Bangladeshis were reportedly killed along the border in 2025, with most deaths attributed to firing incidents, while others were allegedly due to physical abuse. The organisation’s data shows fluctuating annual figures in previous years. Bangladesh shares a 4,156-kilometre-long border with India, including riverine and forested segments such as the Sundarbans, making border management particularly complex. In a related development, reports indicate that the West Bengal government has recently facilitated the handover of land for the construction and expansion of fencing along sections of the India–Bangladesh border, a move described by officials as part of broader security and infrastructure measures. As both sides prepare for high-level border talks, concerns over unauthorized cross-border movements and border security remain central to diplomatic and security discussions between the two neighbouring countries.