Diplomatic Correspondent :
A series of unauthorised attempts to erect barbed-wire fencing in the no-man’s land and recent border killings and incidents involving the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) have heightened tensions and disturbances in the affected areas between the two countries.
The Interim Government of Bangladesh has expressed serious concerns regarding these developments and urged the Indian authorities to address the issues promptly and investigate these border incidents.
In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Pranay Verma, on Sunday to discuss the evolving situation.
The envoy met Foreign Secretary Md Jasim Uddin on Sunday afternoon and spent over half an hour in discussions. Speaking to reporters afterwards, the Indian High Commissioner stated, “We discussed India’s commitment to ensuring a crime-free border, effectively addressing challenges such as smuggling, criminal activity, and trafficking, as well as the issue of constructing barbed-wire fences along the border.”
Regarding the construction of the fences, Mr Verma noted, “There is an understanding between us regarding the installation of barbed-wire fences along the border for security purposes.
Our border security forces, the BSF and BGB, are in communication on this matter. We remain hopeful that discussions will lead to a collaborative approach to addressing crime.”
Foreign Secretary Md Jasim Uddin, however, expressed concern over these activities, particularly the unauthorised attempts to construct barbed-wire fencing and related operations by the BSF.
He emphasised that such actions undermine the spirit of cooperation and friendly relations between the two neighbouring nations.
He further highlighted that the unauthorised construction of fences breaches international protocols and existing agreements. He expressed hope that the upcoming Director General-level talks between the BGB and BSF would address these issues comprehensively.
Referring to the recent killing of a Bangladeshi citizen in Sunamganj by the BSF, the Foreign Secretary expressed deep concern and disappointment over the recurrence of such incidents.
He strongly condemned these actions and called on Indian authorities to take immediate measures to prevent further occurrences. He also urged thorough investigations into all incidents of border-related fatalities and demanded that those responsible be held accountable.
The Foreign Secretary reiterated Bangladesh’s expectation that India would honour its previous commitments to pursue non-lethal strategies at the border and ensure the safety of civilians.
He called for restraint from any provocative actions that could escalate tensions and stressed the importance of resolving such matters through constructive dialogue in accordance with existing bilateral agreements.
Human rights organisations in Bangladesh have raised alarms about the continued border fatalities.
According to the rights group Odhikar, 1,236 Bangladeshi nationals were killed and 1,145 injured in BSF shootings between 2000 and 2020. The Ain o Salish Kendra reported that 23 Bangladeshi nationals were killed in 2023, 16 in 2022, and 42 in 2020.
Among the incidents, the killing of Felani Khatun, a Bangladeshi teenager, in January 2011 drew widespread attention and continues to prompt calls for justice.
Recently, the BSF initiated construction of barbed-wire fences at five locations along the border. However, opposition from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local residents compelled the BSF to halt these activities.
On Sunday, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed that the BGB remains on high alert at the border and is closely monitoring the situation. He noted that out of the 4,156-kilometre border between the two nations, India has so far fenced 3,271 kilometres, leaving 885 kilometres unfenced.
The adviser also criticised recent BSF actions, including attempts to erect fences within the 150-yard no-man’s land, which violates international regulations. He highlighted that the BGB, alongside local residents, took a firm stance in preventing such breaches. Similar incidents have occurred in Lalmonirhat, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon, where BGB intervention halted the construction of border fences.
Amid these rising tensions, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving such issues through diplomatic channels, with a focus on upholding peace and stability along the border.
