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The international human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed concern, accusing Indian authorities of forcibly expelling ethnic Bengalis and abandoning them at the Bangladesh border as ‘undocumented immigrants’.
The organization’s report states that Indian security forces are pushing certain groups, including Bengali Muslims, towards the Bangladesh border without following any legal procedures, which could constitute a violation of international human rights law.
The report further mentions that the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has conducted such ‘pushback’ operations multiple times since June 1, 2026. It also highlights a nearly 75-hour standoff at the Panchagarh border, where some families were stranded on the ‘zero line’ facing inhumane conditions.
HRW states that approximately 5,000 people have reportedly been sent back or pushed towards the border in this manner recently. The report also claims that these actions are being taken by removing names from voter lists and without providing any judicial opportunities.
According to the organization, many of those being expelled possess Indian identification documents. Yet, they are being designated as ‘undocumented immigrants’ and deported.
The human rights organization has called for an end to such activities, stating that they contravene international law and human rights principles.