Govt summons Indian envoy, urges restraint to prevent provocations in border
Home adviser says BGB’s strong stance forces India to halt border fence construction
Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin has called upon the government of India to advise all its authorities concerned to refrain from any provocative actions that could escalate tensions along the shared border.
Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma was summoned to the foreign ministry this afternoon (12 January) to convey Dhaka's "deep concern" over the recent activities of the Border Security Force (BSF) of India along the Bangladesh-India border.
During the meeting with Verma, the foreign secretary stressed that unauthorised attempts to construct barbed-wire fencing and the related operational actions by the BSF, have caused tensions and disturbances along the border.
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The foreign secretary emphasised that the construction of barbed-wire fences without proper authorisation "undermines the spirit of cooperation" and friendly relations between the two neighbours.
He hoped that the upcoming BGB-BSF director general level talks would be able to discuss the matter at length.
Referring to the recent killing of a Bangladesh citizen at Sunamganj by the BSF, the secretary expressed deep concern and disappointment over such repetition of border killings.
He strongly resented these acts of killing and called for urgent action by the Indian authorities to stop recurrence of such incidents and conduct inquiries into all these border killings and take actions against those responsible.
Jashim Uddin mentioned that it is also a matter of grave concern that despite repeated firm commitments from the Indian authorities to pursue non-lethal strategy and to stop killings, such incidents of killing have been continuing.
"Bangladesh believes that such issues should be resolved through constructive dialogue, in accordance with existing bilateral agreements, and in a way that upholds peace and tranquility along the border," he added.
In response, Pranay Verma expressed hope that the understanding between the two border forces will be implemented in a cooperative approach to combating the crimes along the border.
Referring to an understanding in regards to fencing the border, the high commissioner said the two border forces – the BSF and the BGB – have been in communication.
The envoy also said he and the foreign secretary also discussed India's commitment to ensuring the crimes along the border, effectively addressing the challenges of smuggling, movements of criminal and trafficking.
Tensions along the India-Bangladesh border began escalating in late December due to the BSF's attempts to construct barbed-wire fences at several locations, violating a bilateral agreement.
BGB's firm stance halts India's border fence construction
Earlier in the day, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said India has been compelled to halt the construction of fences along several border areas following the strong stance taken by the BGB and locals, reports UNB.
"All disputed work has been halted, and no further activities will be allowed," he said at a press conference, mentioning that India had started fencing at five border points.
He added that there are four agreements between the two countries that stipulate that no defence-related construction or development work can be carried out within 150 yards of the zero line without mutual consent.
India has already fenced 3,271km out of the 4,156km border shared with Bangladesh, leaving 885km unfenced, he said, criticising the previous government for permitting certain actions by India that 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 added.
Tin Bigha Corridor dispute
On the issue of the Tin Bigha Corridor, the adviser criticised the lack of reciprocity in agreements.
"In 1974, Bangladesh handed over Berubari following the treaty, which was ratified by our Parliament. In return, India was supposed to provide us with permanent access to the Tin Bigha Corridor. While we fulfilled our part, India failed to ratify the agreement in their Parliament," he said.
Despite a 2010 agreement to ensure 24-hour access through the corridor, India constructed fences in the Angorpota-Dahagram area, violating the clause that prohibits construction within 150 yards of the zero line, the adviser explained.
"Legally, our ability to obstruct such actions is limited due to prior agreements. If we become overly assertive, India might retaliate by restricting access to the corridor," he said.
The upcoming BGB-BSF director general-level meeting in February is expected to address these concerns, Adviser Jahangir added.
Asked if Bangladesh plans to annul the concessions granted by previous administrations, Jahangir stated, "Our director general will raise the issue during the February meeting. We will also formally request India to void the unfavorable agreements."
