India urged to return Bangladeshis through proper channels

Dhaka has called on New Delhi to return Bangladeshi nationals through proper legal channels during recent high-level discussions with Indian officials on the issue of border push-ins, according to Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.

He made the remarks on Tuesday at the parade ground of the Prison Training Centre in Rajshahi, following the passing-out parade of the 14th batch of deputy jail superintendents and the 62nd batch of male and female prison guards.

“Recently, there has been a rise in push-in incidents at the border. We have formally protested and requested Indian authorities to return Bangladeshi nationals through appropriate channels,” said Jahangir.

“We raised the issue during high-level discussions. If proper channels are used, we are fully prepared to receive our citizens.”

Addressing border security concerns, the adviser said: “There is no lapse in security along the border. Our forces are fully capable and prepared to handle any situation.”

On internal security, he added: “Reports exaggerating incidents of theft, robbery, and mugging can give neighbouring countries an opportunity to exploit the narrative.”

“Special operations by law enforcement are ongoing and have not been relaxed. Security measures are being significantly strengthened ahead of Eid.”

Jahangir also said the government has taken a policy-level decision to transform the country’s prisons into correctional facilities.

At the ceremony, he presented awards to outstanding recruits and later pinned rank badges on the new deputy jail superintendents.