In a troubling development, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) forcibly pushed 21 Rohingya refugees, including women and children, into Bangladesh through the Nakugaon border in Sherpur early Thursday (July 15) morning, according to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

The incident occurred around 1:00am on July 24 through Gate No. 3 near border pillar 1416. BGB’s Mymensingh-based Battalion-39, led by Commander Lt Col Mehedi Hasan, said the group consisted of five men, five women, and eleven children. They are currently being provided temporary shelter at Nakugaon Government Primary School.

According to BGB sources, the individuals are all Rohingya nationals who originally fled persecution in Myanmar during the 2017 crackdown and had been residing at the Balukhali refugee camp in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. Later, they crossed into India illegally with the help of human traffickers and took up work in Jammu and Kashmir.

Indian authorities reportedly arrested the group during a recent crackdown on undocumented migrants. Despite identifying themselves as Rohingya refugees previously sheltered in Bangladesh, Indian police handed them over to the BSF — which, in turn, forcibly pushed them across the border without any formal coordination or diplomatic process.

This is not an isolated case. BGB officials noted that a similar attempt was made earlier in Lalmonirhat, where BSF tried to push 57 undocumented individuals into Bangladesh territory, an effort that was thwarted.

BGB has strongly objected to this unilateral and unlawful act. “Such behaviour violates international humanitarian norms and undermines mutual respect between neighboring countries,” an official stated, adding that Bangladesh continues to bear a disproportionate burden of the Rohingya crisis while other nations deflect responsibility.

The incident has sparked renewed concerns about India’s handling of Rohingya refugees. Critics argue that India, while not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, has an obligation under international human rights law to treat vulnerable populations with dignity and refrain from forced returns that may endanger their lives.

BGB is currently investigating the matter and coordinating with higher authorities to determine the next steps, including legal proceedings and possible reintegration of the group into established refugee systems. Diplomatic channels may also be engaged to seek clarification and prevent recurrence of such actions.

BOB Post