BD won't accept any push-in from India

Bangladesh has taken a firm stance against alleged attempts by the Indian border forces to push people from across the frontier, with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed saying on Monday that the country's border guards would continue to resist any such move.
Speaking to reporters at the foreign ministry, she said personnel of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) had already foiled several alleged push-in attempts by India's Border Security Force (BSF) and would remain vigilant against any future efforts.
"The BGB is in a firm position on the border, and they will not allow any push-in into Bangladesh from India by the BSF," she said.
"We have received reports from the BGB that the BSF made several attempts to push people into Bangladesh, but those attempts were foiled. This position of the BGB will continue. Whenever the BSF tries to push people in, our border guards will prevent it."
The remarks come amid growing concerns in Dhaka over reports of attempts to send individuals across the border without following established diplomatic and legal procedures.
Obaed said the government had already formally communicated its concerns to New Delhi.
"We have sent letters to the Indian government regarding these push-in attempts," she said, indicating that the matter was being pursued through diplomatic channels.
At the same time, the minister expressed cautious optimism about Bangladesh's future relations with India, referring to what she described as indications of a possible shift in New Delhi's approach towards Dhaka.
"We heard that they are going to have a paradigm shift in their foreign policy regarding Bangladesh, and we hope that this shift will be positive," she said.
"And if that is not positive, we will continue our engagement at the political and diplomatic levels, but we shall not, by any means, accept push-ins."
According to Obaed, Bangladesh and India have held several rounds of discussions following the recent political developments in the neighbouring Indian state of West Bengal.
"After the West Bengal polls, Bangladesh had several discussions with India and in each discussion, they assured us that they would not make any push-in attempts," she said.
"They were also very positive about resolving other pending issues, including visa relaxation. We hope they will continue that positivity."
The state minister's comments highlight the delicate balance Dhaka is attempting to maintain in its relations with New Delhi - welcoming positive political signals while insisting on progress on longstanding bilateral concerns.
Responding to a question about India's recent statement recognising the role of former president Ziaur Rahman in Bangladesh's Liberation War, Obaed said the government viewed the development positively.
"We wholeheartedly welcome the Indian statement recognising Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman's unique role in the Liberation War," she said.
Her remarks referred to a recent statement by India's Ministry of External Affairs, which paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman on his death anniversary and acknowledged his historic radio broadcast during the 1971 Liberation War.
The statement has been widely interpreted in diplomatic circles as a significant departure from India's traditionally Awami League-centric narrative regarding Bangladesh's independence struggle.
However, Obaed suggested that symbolic gestures be accompanied by tangible progress on unresolved bilateral issues.
"At the same time, they need to be positive in resolving other contentious issues, such as push-ins," she said.
The minister also addressed questions regarding Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's anticipated foreign visits.
She said the prime minister intends to visit neighbouring countries in the region, including India and China, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
"The prime minister has plans to visit all neighbouring countries in this region, including India and China," she said.
However, she stressed that no travel schedule had yet been finalised.
Asked whether the prime minister would visit China later this month, Obaed declined to confirm the reports.
"The schedule of the visit has not been finalised yet," she said.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com