Sylhet, May 17 (V7N) – Assam Chief Minister Hemant Biswa Sarma has publicly acknowledged that illegal infiltrators are being pushed back to Bangladesh without any legal process, a move that has triggered serious human rights concerns. The statement, widely covered by Indian media outlets such as The Sentinel Assam and The Indian Express, confirms that the operation is being carried out under the direction of the Indian central government, with active participation from the Assam state government.

According to reports, on May 14, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) forcibly pushed back 16 men and women through the Kanaighat border in Sylhet. Additionally, over a hundred people have reportedly been subjected to similar pushbacks across the Kulaura, Baralekha, and Juri borders. Indian media further claims that at least 123 individuals—including Rohingyas and Bengali-speaking persons—have been pushed back via the Kurigram and Khagrachari borders in recent weeks.

The detainees include individuals previously held at Assam's Matia Detention Center, according to Chief Minister Sarma, who confirmed their expulsion as part of a “coordinated operation” involving the Indian government.

Human rights advocates and legal experts are condemning the move. Professor Dr. Sahabul Haque of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology in Sylhet stated, “Under India’s own immigration laws, detainees have the right to legal aid. Forcibly sending people back without due process violates international law and human rights conventions.”

Dr. Haque urged the Bangladeshi government to address the matter diplomatically before the situation further escalates along the border.

In response to the growing tension, Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Sher Mahbub Murad confirmed heightened security measures at various border points. “We have recently detained several individuals coming from India. They were found carrying Indian identity cards, which confirm their long-term residence in India,” he said.

Analysts emphasize that while it is necessary for both nations to manage border security, such efforts must not undermine international norms. Legal experts stress the importance of upholding due process and ensuring bilateral coordination between India and Bangladesh to maintain stability in the region.

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