New Delhi: A day after Bangladesh halted the construction of a barbed wire fence along the border, Dhaka on Sunday, January 12, expressed “deep concern” to Indian high commissioner Pranay Verma, alleging that the work was being carried out without proper authorisation.
The Indian envoy was summoned following protests by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officials a day earlier, which led the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) to suspend the fencing activity near the Dahagram border in Lalmonirhat’s Patgram district.
In a press release, the Bangladesh foreign ministry stated that foreign secretary Md Jashim Uddin conveyed “deep concern” to high commissioner Verma “over the recent activities of the Border Security Force (BSF) of India along the Bangladesh-India border.”
“He stressed that such activities, particularly the unauthorized attempt to construct barbed wire fencing and related operational actions by the BSF, have caused tensions and disturbances along the border,” the statement said.
The note further highlighted that Jashim Uddin underscored how the “construction of barbed wire fences without proper authorisation undermines the spirit of cooperation and friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries.”
“He hoped that the upcoming BGB-BSF DG Level Talks would provide an opportunity to discuss the matter in detail,” the statement added.
The Bangladesh foreign secretary also raised concerns about the killing of a Bangladeshi citizen, allegedly by the BSF in Sunamganj, describing it as a “matter of grave concern.” He noted that despite repeated commitments from Indian authorities to adopt a non-lethal strategy and prevent such incidents, the killings had continued.
After the 30-minute meeting at the foreign ministry on Sunday afternoon, high commissioner Verma told reporters that he had discussed “India’s commitment to ensuring a crime-free border and effectively addressing the challenges” with Bangladesh’s foreign secretary.
Verma reiterated that the two border forces had an “understanding” regarding border fencing and maintained regular communication. He also highlighted efforts to tackle smuggling challenges.
Fencing along the north-eastern border has been a key security priority for the Narendra Modi government.
Alleged violation of international law
According to the Daily Star, the BGB stated that the fencing initiated on Friday, January 10, along the Dahagram border violated international law, which prohibits any construction within 150 yards of the zero line. Amir Khasru, assistant director of the Rangpur battalion of the BGB, said that the BSF halted the construction after BGB officers and local residents protested at the site, leading to tensions between the two border agencies.
Khasru also informed reporters that a scheduled meeting and inspection visit to the Munshipara area between officers of both agencies was cancelled as the BSF representatives did not attend. However, the BSF later assured the BGB that it would cease further barbed wire fencing efforts.
“Locals are aware of the matter, and we will strongly protest if the BSF tries to violate the law,” said Khabir Uddin, a 65-year-old farmer from Munshipara to the Daily Star.
In 2010, the BGB and BSF signed an agreement prohibiting barbed wire construction at the Tin Bigha Corridor, the gateway to Dahagram. In 2021, the BSF opposed the laying of optical fibre lines for broadband services in the corridor.
Criticism of Sheikh Hasina government’s policies
During a press briefing on Sunday, Bangladesh’s home affairs adviser, retired Lieutenant General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, acknowledged the border tensions and confirmed a truce after the BSF stopped its work.
“These agreements stipulate that no defence-related construction or development work can be carried out within 150 yards of the zero line without mutual consent,” he said, adding that India has already fenced 3,271 kms out of the 4,156-km border shared with Bangladesh.
Chowdhury criticised the previous Sheikh Hasina government for allowing India to undertake certain border activities that, he claimed, were against Bangladesh’s interests.
“From 2010 to 2023, India constructed fences in 160 locations, creating complications. Another 78 spots also face issues and recently, disputes have arisen at five locations, including Chapainawabganj, the Tin Bigha Corridor in Lalmonirhat, Patnitala in Naogaon, Feni, Kushtia and Cumilla,” he said.
