India has continued making fresh attempts to push people across the border into Bangladesh, raising concerns over alleged unlawful cross-border expulsions following the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) sweeping victory in the West Bengal state elections in early May.
According to reports and local accounts, several groups of individuals have been transferred toward border areas in recent weeks, prompting criticism from rights advocates and observers who argue that any cross-border movement must be carried out in accordance with international law, due process, and bilateral agreements between the two neighboring countries.
Bangladesh has repeatedly emphasized that individuals cannot be sent across the border without proper verification of nationality and established legal procedures. Analysts warn that unilateral pushback practices, if continued, could strain bilateral relations and create humanitarian concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations who may face uncertainty regarding their citizenship status and legal protections.
The issue has gained increased attention in the aftermath of the West Bengal election, with critics alleging that tougher measures against suspected undocumented migrants have coincided with renewed efforts to move people toward the Bangladesh border. Observers have called for greater transparency, adherence to legal norms, and constructive dialogue between the two countries to address migration and border management challenges without compromising human rights.
