Rajshahi: Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today urged India to follow the proper legal procedure in returning Bangladeshi nationals, expressing concern over a recent increase in cross-border push-ins. “The number of push-ins at the border has increased. We have protested and called upon India to adhere to due process,” Jahangir said after witnessing a passing-out parade at the Jail Training Centre in Rajshahi.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Jahangir emphasized the need for India to facilitate the return of Bangladeshi nationals through appropriate channels, noting that these individuals are citizens of Bangladesh and should be accepted back accordingly. Despite repeated protests from Bangladesh, Jahangir criticized India for continuing to return individuals without following formal procedures.
He pointed out that Bangladesh ensures due process when returning foreign nationals found within its territory. “We follow proper channels when repatriating citizens of other countries,” he stated. Addressing concerns about border security, the Home Adviser reassured that the borders are well-guarded and secure. “Our citizens are entirely safe and our borders are consistently well-guarded. Our force always remains ready to face any situation. There is no unrest at borders,” he affirmed.
Jahangir called on journalists to present the actual fact of events without exaggeration, emphasizing that misrepresentation of facts could give a neighboring country an opportunity to spread propaganda. Responding to another question, he revealed the government’s plan to transform prisons across the country into correction centers.
Regarding preparations for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, Jahangir assured that it will be celebrated in a more organized manner than Eid-ul-Fitr. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take necessary measures to ensure safety and order during the festival. In his capacity as Agriculture Adviser, Jahangir highlighted a significant increase in agricultural production, stating, “This year, Boro paddy production has gone up by 1.5 million metric tonnes compared to last year,” adding that Bangladesh may not need to import rice as it did previously.
He further noted that due to government initiatives, the prices of essential commodities remain at a tolerable level, and efforts are underway to ensure fair prices for farmers following a bumper potato harvest this year.