India summoned Bangladesh’s Deputy High Commissioner Nural Islam on Monday following a diplomatic row over border activities. This came a day after Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry had summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma in Dhaka, raising concerns over the actions of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) along the shared border.
Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin expressed the government’s concerns to Verma, particularly over the construction of barbed-wire fences by the BSF at several locations along the border. The statement emphasized that these actions were unauthorized, breaching bilateral agreements and straining relations between the two countries.
In response, Verma reiterated India’s commitment to securing a crime-free border. “I met the foreign secretary to discuss India’s commitment to ensuring a crime-free border, effectively addressing the challenges of smuggling, movement of criminals, and trafficking,” he told journalists.
He emphasized that the BSF and Bangladesh’s Border Guard (BGB) had been in communication and cooperation over border security matters. “Our two border guard forces, BSF and BGB, have been in communication, and an understanding will be implemented through a cooperative approach to combating crimes,” Verma added.
Tensions flared earlier this month when Bangladesh alleged that India was constructing fences at five points along the border, violating previous agreements. According to reports, the BSF halted its fencing activities near the Dahagram border in Lalmonirhat’s Patgram district after protests from BGB officers and local residents.
Amir Khasru, assistant director of the BGB’s Rangpur battalion, stated that the construction had been carried out within 150 yards of the zero line, breaching international law. Local farmers voiced strong opposition, with one, Khabir Uddin, warning, “We will strongly protest if the BSF tries to violate the law.”
Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement confirming that Uddin had raised the issue with Verma, highlighting that such activities undermined the spirit of cooperation between the two nations.
“The construction of barbed wire fences without proper authorization has caused tensions and disturbances along the border,” the statement read. The ministry also referred to the recent killing of a Bangladeshi citizen by the BSF in Sunamganj as a “grave concern,” urging Indian authorities to prevent such incidents and investigate those responsible.
In response, Verma reassured that India was committed to a non-lethal strategy at the border. “We have an understanding with regard to fencing the border for security. BSF and BGB have been in communication in this regard,” Verma said after his meeting with Uddin.
The construction of fences has long been a point of contention between the two countries. Bangladesh argues that the 2010 agreement between the BGB and BSF prohibits such construction within 150 yards of the zero line. Since 2010, India has completed fencing along 3,271 kilometers of the 4,156-kilometer border.
However, locations such as the Tin Bigha Corridor in Lalmonirhat have remained controversial, with disputes over the construction of fences and other border activities.
Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, criticized the previous Sheikh Hasina government for allowing India to carry out border activities that he claims undermined 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,” Chowdhury said during a press briefing.
Political instability in Bangladesh has further complicated the border issue. Following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, violent incidents targeting Hindu minorities have added to the tensions. Some reports suggest that political rivals may be exploiting the border region for strategic purposes.
Despite the tensions, both countries have expressed a desire to resolve the issue through dialogue. Verma remained optimistic after his meeting with Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary. “We have an understanding with regard to fencing the border for security. BSF and BGB have been in communication in this regard,” he reiterated.
As both nations prepare for upcoming talks between the BSF and BGB, the resolution of these border disputes will be crucial in determining the future of India-Bangladesh relations. With diplomatic exchanges continuing, the focus remains on addressing security concerns while maintaining cooperation and stability along the border.