Human Rights Group Alleges Forced Pushbacks of Women and Children Along Bangladesh Border

June 7: A West Bengal-based human rights organization has accused India's Border Security Force (BSF) of forcibly pushing women, children, and families suspected of being Bangladeshi nationals toward the Bangladesh border, creating what it describes as a growing humanitarian crisis.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the vice-president of the Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR), Ranjit Sur, expressed concern over reports that vulnerable individuals are being intimidated and forced toward the international border.

According to APDR, many of these people have become stranded in the zero-line area after Bangladesh's Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) declined to accept them without verification of their nationality.

The organization said the affected group includes pregnant women, children, and elderly individuals who are facing severe hardship due to inadequate access to food, clean drinking water, shelter, and medical care. Many have reportedly been living in harsh weather conditions under open skies.

APDR argued that the stranded individuals are caught in a legal and humanitarian limbo. While Indian authorities allegedly identify them as Bangladeshi nationals, Bangladeshi authorities maintain that sufficient proof of citizenship has not been established.

Describing the situation as a humanitarian concern, the organization criticized what it referred to as India's “Three-D Policy” — identification, deportation, and denial of citizenship — claiming that such practices conflict with constitutional and human rights principles.

Meanwhile, border authorities of both countries have exchanged allegations regarding recent incidents along the frontier. Reports in Indian media quoted Bangladeshi border officials as saying that attempts had been made in recent days to push groups of people across multiple border points.

According to Bangladeshi authorities, dozens of individuals were found stranded near border areas in Panchagarh, Lalmonirhat, Naogaon, and Chapainawabganj.

India's Ministry of External Affairs, however, stated that established bilateral mechanisms exist for the repatriation of foreign nationals residing illegally and that those procedures are being followed. New Delhi also expressed hope that Dhaka would respond promptly regarding nationality verification.

At the same time, some Indian media outlets have reported attempts at illegal border crossings, while local political leaders have defended the security measures, saying border forces are acting to prevent unauthorized infiltration.

APDR has announced a protest march in Malda on June 11, demanding that all stranded individuals be moved to safe locations and that decisions regarding their status be made in accordance with international human rights standards.

Human rights advocates emphasize that while border security remains important, the protection of vulnerable people—including women and children—must remain a priority to prevent the situation from escalating further.