MEA summons Bangladesh's Deputy High Commissioner over border fencing row

The India-Bangladesh border, one of the longest international boundaries, has frequently witnessed tensions, including disputes over border security and cross-border movements.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday summoned Bangladesh’s Deputy High Commissioner Nural Islam to discuss border-related issues. Islam was seen leaving South Block following the summons, which came just a day after Bangladesh’s foreign ministry had called Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to address similar concerns.

Bangladesh's foreign affairs ministry summoned Verma on Sunday, January 12,  to send a message to New Delhi advising all Indian authorities to refrain from any 'provocative actions' that could escalate border tensions between the two countries.

During the meeting, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin conveyed Bangladesh's "deep concern" to Verma about the Border Security Force's (BSF) 'unauthorized' construction of barbed wire fencing at five locations along the border, violating a bilateral agreement and creating “disturbances” in the region, reported Times of India.

During his meeting with Bangladeshi officials, which lasted over half an hour, Verma said both countries “have understandings with regard to fencing the border for security”, adding that India’s efforts to ensure a crime-free border were also discussed.

“Our two border guard enforcements – BSF and BGB (Border Security Force and Border Guard Bangladesh) – have been in communication in this regard. We expect that this understanding will be implemented and there will be a cooperative approach to combating crimes along the border,” Verma told the media. The India-Bangladesh border, one of the longest international boundaries, has frequently witnessed tensions, including disputes over border security and cross-border movements.

Jashim Uddin stressed that the "construction of barbed wire fences without proper authorization undermines the spirit of cooperation and friendly relations between the two neighboring countries. He hoped that the upcoming BGB-BSF DG Level Talks would be able to discuss the matter at length,” the press release by Bangladesh foreign ministry said.

Before this, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that India had stopped building barbed wire fencing along the border because of the Border Guard Bangladesh's and the residents' fierce objections.

Speaking at a media briefing, Chowdhury claimed that "several issues have arisen along the Bangladesh-India border" as a result of several unfair deals made during the previous government's time.

"However, the BGB and our people's efforts have compelled India to halt some activities, such as the building of barbed wire fences." According to Chowdhury, there are four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between India and Bangladesh that regulate border operations.

According to Chowdhary, no development with defense potential may occur within 150 yards of the zero line, as stipulated in the 1975 Memorandum of Understanding.

“Another MoU states that no development activities can occur within this boundary without mutual consent. Any such work requires prior agreement between the two nations,” he said.

The adviser said India has already fenced 3,271 kilometres of the 4,156-kilometer-long border with Bangladesh, leaving approximately 885 kilometres unfenced. He also accused the previous Sheikh Hasina-led government of granting India unequal opportunities.