On January 12, 2025, Bangladesh’s interim government expressed “deep concern” about recent developments along its border with India. The government’s concerns were raised during a meeting between Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin and Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, following statements made by Adviser on Home Affairs Jehangir Alam Chowdhury.
Chowdhury had informed the media that India had begun erecting fences at five locations along the Indo-Bangladesh border, and claimed Bangladesh authorities had not been consulted before construction began. He announced that the Indian High Commissioner was being summoned to address the situation.
In a statement issued by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was confirmed that Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin had conveyed the government’s concerns to High Commissioner Verma. The statement described the fencing attempts as “unauthorised” and emphasized that such actions undermine the spirit of cooperation and friendly relations between the two countries.
Foreign Secretary Uddin expressed hope that the upcoming discussions between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Border Security Force (BSF) would provide an opportunity to resolve the issue. Chowdhury had previously criticized border agreements between the two nations from 2010 to 2023 as “unequal,” attributing these agreements to the challenges Bangladesh faces today.
The issue of border security has been a sensitive topic for both nations, particularly after the 2015 Land Boundary Agreement. However, incidents involving the BSF, including the recent killing of a Bangladeshi citizen in Sunamganj, have caused significant tension. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Bangladesh’s disapproval of such actions, urging India to take immediate action to prevent further border killings and investigate those responsible.
The India-Bangladesh border has gained renewed attention following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024. Since then, reports have surfaced of members of the former ruling Awami League party and other Bangladeshi citizens attempting to cross into India. In late August, the body of Awami League leader Ishfaq Ali Khan Panna was found near the Indo-Bangladesh border, with suspicions that he had been chased and killed by political rivals.
After the meeting, High Commissioner Verma addressed the media, reiterating India’s stance on border security. He stated, “We have an understanding regarding the fencing of the border for security. The BSF and BGB have been in communication on this matter.”