DHAKA/NEW DELHI: Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed expressed hope on Wednesday that no incidents of pushbacks—the forced expulsion of suspected illegal immigrants—would occur, following the BJP's electoral victories in the bordering states of Assam and West Bengal. When asked if he feared a rise in such cases, he stated, "I hope no such incident will happen."
Background of the Issue
Illegal migration and pushbacks have long been contentious issues in Indo-Bangladesh relations. On Tuesday, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman was quoted on the governing BNP's official Facebook page as saying that Dhaka would take action if such incidents occurred amid the "change of power" in West Bengal. The concern is particularly acute given the recent political shifts in the region.
Other Sticking Points
While the pushback issue is seen by many in Bangladesh as a hurdle to bilateral ties, other concerns remain, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's stay in India after her 2024 ouster and a pending extradition request. These issues continue to complicate the relationship between the two neighbors.
India's Response
In New Delhi, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed a delegation of Bangladeshi journalists, stating, "We have weathered a testing time." He added, "We are getting down to reactivating all tools of bilateral relations and contacts." This indicates India's willingness to move forward despite the challenges.
Bilateral Mechanisms
Bangladesh and India have over 40 bilateral mechanisms covering trade, border management, consular issues, and water sharing. Notably, the 2011 Teesta river water-sharing pact remains blocked by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, adding another layer of complexity to the relationship.
