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Diplomacy

India Summons Bangladeshi Envoy Amid Border Fencing Row

The controversy arose on January 10 when India resumed construction of a barbed wire fence near the Dahagram border in Lalmonirhat’s Patgram district.

India Summons Bangladeshi Envoy Amid Border Fencing Row

Acting Bangladesh High Commissioner, Md Nurul Islam, seen outside the MEA on Monday. Screenshot from a video by @PBSHABD on X.

On Monday (January 13), India summoned Bangladesh’s acting high commissioner, Md Nurul Islam, following Dhaka's protest against the resumption of border fencing, which it termed "unauthorized."

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement affirming that all protocols and agreements between the two governments and the respective border forces had been adhered to during the fencing activities.

“It was conveyed that with regard to security measures at the border, including on fencing, India observed all protocols and agreements between the two governments and between the Border Security Force and Border Guard Bangladesh,” the MEA said.

“India reiterated its commitment to ensuring a crime-free border by effectively addressing the challenges of cross-border criminal activities, smuggling, movement of criminals and trafficking. Barbed wire fencing, border lighting, installation of technical devices and cattle fences are measures for securing the border,” the statement added.

India also expressed hope for continued cooperation from Bangladesh in combating these challenges.

Background of the Dispute

The controversy arose on January 10 when India resumed construction of a barbed wire fence near the Dahagram border in Lalmonirhat’s Patgram district. Bangladesh’s Border Guard (BGB) objected, leading the Border Security Force (BSF) to halt construction.

The situation escalated on January 12 when Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary, Md Jashim Uddin, summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Varma to express Dhaka's concerns.

Bangladesh protested the alleged unauthorized construction and noted that it undermines the spirit of bilateral cooperation. It also raised concerns about recent border incidents, including the killing of a Bangladeshi citizen in Sunamganj, allegedly by the BSF.

The foreign secretary reiterated the importance of adhering to non-lethal strategies, as previously committed by India, and called for thorough investigations into such incidents.

India and Bangladesh share a 4,096.7-km border, of which 3,196.7 km has been fenced, according to India’s Ministry of Home Affairs' 2023-24 report. Disputes often arise over structures within 150 yards of the zero line.

Bangladesh claims such activities violate international law, while India cites a 2010 agreement allowing fencing within the 150-yard limit under specific circumstances with mutual agreement.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, criticized the former Hasina government for permitting border activities that he claimed were detrimental to Bangladesh’s interests.
 
He highlighted disputes in multiple locations, including Chapainawabganj, the Tin Bigha Corridor, and areas in Naogaon, Feni, Kushtia, and Cumilla.

Relations between the two countries have been strained since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. On December 23, Bangladesh formally requested India to extradite the former prime minister, who has been residing in India since fleeing Dhaka amid political upheaval. Although her status remains officially unclarified, Hasina has released online statements that have drawn criticism from the interim Bangladeshi government.

As tensions simmer, the upcoming Director General-level talks between the BSF and BGB are expected to address these issues in detail, offering a potential path toward de-escalation and resolution.

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