Tension has increased between India and Bangladesh regarding border security. A dispute broke out between the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) and the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) in Shukdevpur village in Malda district of West Bengal. The dispute was over India’s efforts to fence the border. Bangladesh alleged that India was trying to erect fencing at five places on the border in violation of the bilateral agreement. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified India’s stand on this issue.
MEA statement: Committed to stop crime on the border
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have made our position clear. Summoned the Acting Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh and presented his views regarding fencing the border. We are committed to ensuring a crime-free border with Bangladesh.” He said measures such as fencing, border lighting, installation of technical equipment, and cattle fencing are being taken to prevent smuggling, human trafficking and other crimes.
Reason for increasing tension on the border
The length of the India-Bangladesh border is 4,096 kilometers, and this area has long faced disputes. Recently, India planned to erect fencing at five places on the border, which was strongly opposed by Bangladesh. This dispute over the fencing attempt in Shukdevpur village has become a reason to further deteriorate the already tense relations between the two countries.
impact on bilateral relations
This controversy has come to light at a time when there was a change of power in Bangladesh in August last year. Sheikh Hasina’s government has been ousted and a new government has been formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, which has soured bilateral relations. The border dispute has made this situation more complex.
Adherence to border security measures and agreements
India says that the purpose of border fencing is to prevent crimes and it is being done under the agreements already made. The spokesperson expressed hope that Bangladesh will abide by these agreements and the two countries will work together to prevent cross-border crimes.
India summoned the acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh
On January 13, India summoned Bangladesh’s acting High Commissioner Noor-al-Islam and told him that India had followed all protocols of border fencing. Subsequently, India also said that border security measures include installation of barbed wire, border lighting, installation of technical equipment and fencing for cattle. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed hope that Bangladesh will implement these agreements and adopt a cooperative approach to combat cross-border crimes.
