The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has dismissed recent reports of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh as "exaggerated" during a high-level meeting with India’s Border Security Force (BSF).
 
BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui emphasized that security measures were in place during Durga Puja, particularly in areas near the international border.

“The news of attack on minorities in recent past in Bangladesh is an exaggeration. We provided security to puja pandals within 8 k.m. of international border during Durga Puja, which were held peacefully,” Siddiqui said, as reported by The Hindu.

Border Fencing and Construction Concerns

Discussing the long-standing border fencing issue, Siddiqui reiterated that neither country is allowed to construct permanent structures within 150 yards of the international border.

He acknowledged that disputes arise when fencing occurs within this limit, emphasizing the need for proper consultation and mutual discussions to address concerns raised by Bangladesh.

“We hope to resolve that in the future so that construction can take place in the no-man’s land,” he said.

Regarding border alignment, Siddiqui clarified that there was no discussion on altering the 1975 clause.

However, he noted that the issue of fencing distance from the zero line remains a point of discussion, and Bangladesh has requested joint inspections at disputed locations.

The meeting, aimed at improving coordination between the two border guarding forces, was part of an ongoing dialogue.

The last such meeting took place in Dhaka in March last year.