Bangladesh alert after BJP’s victory in Bengal and Assam, instructions to BGB to remain alert on the border

New Delhi:After the electoral success of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam and West Bengal, there has been an increase in unrest in the neighboring country Bangladesh. The Bangladesh government fears that after the strong position of BJP in the border states, the action against illegal immigrants may intensify and the cases of sending back alleged infiltrators i.e. ‘pushback’ may increase.

Amidst this concern, the Bangladesh government has instructed the border security force Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to remain alert. Bangladeshi Home Minister has said that at present he does not expect any such situation, but security agencies have been asked to be prepared to deal with any untoward incident.

Hopefully no such incident will happen

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed spoke to the media during the conference of District Magistrates held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Wednesday. When asked whether incidents of forced deportation of suspected illegal immigrants from India to Bangladesh could increase after BJP’s victory in Assam and West Bengal, he said, "I hope that no such incident will happen."

he adds, "Despite this, we have instructed Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to remain alert on the borders so that immediate action can be taken in case of any untoward incident."The Home Minister also reiterated that he is hopeful that the situation will remain normal.

Foreign Minister also expressed the possibility of a tough stance

Earlier on Tuesday, the statement of Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman was shared on the official Facebook page of Bangladesh’s ruling party BNP. The statement said that if such a situation arises after the “change of power” in West Bengal, the Dhaka government will take necessary steps.

Illegal infiltration and ‘pushback’ have been sensitive issues in the relations between India and Bangladesh for a long time. From time to time, concerns have been expressed between the two countries regarding the activities taking place on the border.

Sheikh Hasina’s issue also became a cause of tension

Another big issue in the relations between the two countries is the stay of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India. Sheikh Hasina has been living in India since her ouster from power in the year 2024. Bangladesh government has demanded his extradition, but this case is still pending.

In the political and diplomatic circles of Dhaka, this is also being seen as an important issue in India-Bangladesh relations.

India laid emphasis on normalizing relations

During a conversation with a delegation of Bangladeshi journalists in New Delhi, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri expressed a positive attitude regarding the relations between the two countries. He said, "We have faced a difficult time."

he adds, "We are working on reactivating bilateral relations and all means of mutual contacts."

More than 40 bilateral mechanisms between the two countries

More than 40 bilateral mechanisms exist between India and Bangladesh on a wide range of subjects, including trade, border management, consular matters and water sharing. These also include the Teesta River water sharing agreement of 2011, which was stopped by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.