The United Nations has responded to concerns raised by Bangladesh’s opposition over women, children, and other vulnerable individuals stranded in the no-man’s-land along the Bangladesh-India border, confirming that 21 people have been taken back by Indian authorities in what it described as a positive humanitarian development.

The response came after Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Leader of the Opposition and Member of Parliament for Dhaka-14, wrote to the United Nations and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on June 7, urging immediate attention to the plight of individuals reportedly trapped along sections of the border in Panchagarh and Thakurgaon.

In a formal letter dated June 10, Carol Flore-Smereczniak, Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, informed Mir Ahmad that, according to media reports, Indian authorities had accepted the return of 21 stranded individuals, including women and children. The UN described the development as a welcome relief amid growing concerns over the humanitarian situation at the border.

The UN also emphasized that it is closely monitoring developments and remains deeply concerned about the welfare and protection of vulnerable groups affected by border-related incidents.

“Regardless of migrants’ legal status, ensuring their safety, dignity and protection remains a fundamental priority,” the letter stated, underscoring the organization’s commitment to international humanitarian principles.

The response further highlighted that both Bangladesh and India are signatories to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), which commits member states to strengthening international cooperation on migration management while safeguarding the rights and dignity of migrants.

According to the UN, it stands ready to support both countries through coordination, monitoring, information-sharing and technical assistance via the IOM, should such support be requested by the respective governments.

The issue has drawn renewed attention to allegations of cross-border “push-ins” and the broader humanitarian implications of migration and border enforcement practices in the region.

Reacting to the UN’s response, Barrister Mir Ahmad welcomed both the intervention and the reported return of the stranded individuals but warned against viewing the development as a complete resolution of the problem.

“We welcome the United Nations’ swift and principled response, as well as the news that the stranded individuals have been taken back,” he said. “This demonstrates that drawing the attention of international institutions to humanitarian crises can be effective.”

However, he argued that the underlying issues remain unresolved.

“Illegal push-ins are entirely unlawful and unacceptable, and border killings must come to an end,” Mir Ahmad said. “If there are questions regarding an individual’s legal status, they must be resolved through established international procedures—not through push-ins.”

The opposition leader’s adviser also pledged to continue raising border-related humanitarian concerns at both national and international forums, saying his party would remain engaged in advocating for the rights and protection of affected individuals.

The exchange marks one of the most direct recent interventions by the United Nations regarding reports of vulnerable people being stranded along the Bangladesh-India border and signals growing international attention to the humanitarian dimensions of cross-border migration management in South Asia.

While the reported return of the 21 individuals has eased immediate concerns, the UN’s response indicates that international agencies remain alert to developments on the border and prepared to engage further should new humanitarian challenges emerge.

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