Bangladesh groups announce protests against India’s deportation drive

The process of repatriating Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in West Bengal after completing legal procedures is currently underway. The issue has now sparked protests in Bangladesh, with several political and religious organisations, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, announcing demonstrations against India.

A coalition of 11 political and religious organisations has announced marches and rallies in areas along the India-Bangladesh border on June 12. The programme will be led by Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman. The National Citizen Party (NCP), which emerged from the anti-Sheikh Hasina student movement, has also extended its support to the protests.

In addition to the border demonstrations, the organisations have announced plans to hold a large public rally and meeting in Dhaka on June 15. Seminars and roundtable discussions are also expected to be organised as part of the campaign.

NCP Chief Convenor Nasiruddin Patwari has appealed to residents living near the border to form a ‘human shield’ in protest, claiming that people in border regions are facing difficulties. He has also called for strengthening the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB).

Jamaat-e-Islami leader AHM Hamidur Rehman Azad alleged that there have been repeated attempts over the past three months to push individuals across the border into Bangladesh. He also levelled allegations against India's Border Security Force (BSF).

The Indian government has firmly denied the allegations, stating that no individuals are being forcibly pushed across the border. According to Indian authorities, only foreign nationals who entered the country illegally are being repatriated after proper identification and completion of all legal procedures.