In a significant diplomatic exchange, the Indian government has communicated to Bangladesh that all relevant agreements and protocols have been duly respected in relation to the construction of border security infrastructure. This development comes in the wake of Bangladesh’s formal protest against what they described as ‘unauthorized’ activities along the border.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement highlighting the purpose of these measures: “The barbed wire fence, installation of lights at the border, setting up of technical devices, and steps like cattle barriers are for border security.” This statement was articulated after Bangladesh’s protest had prompted India to summon Bangladesh’s senior diplomat in New Delhi.
On Monday afternoon in Delhi, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs formally called in Nurul Islam, who serves as the Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh, to address the matter. The ministry issued a press release clarifying their stance, stating, “India has adhered to all protocols and agreements between the two governments and between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) regarding border security, including fence construction.”
The backdrop to this diplomatic tussle was set when, on the previous Sunday, Pranay Verma, the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, was summoned by the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka. The Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry expressed deep concerns in their press release, focusing not only on the unauthorized fence construction but also on the ongoing issues of border killings by the BSF.
The Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh articulated significant worry over the BSF’s recent activities, emphasizing, “He emphasized that such actions, particularly unauthorized construction of barbed wire fences and related activities, are causing tension and disorder in the border areas.” The ministry also highlighted a specific incident in Sunamganj where a Bangladeshi was fatally shot by the BSF, leading to expressions of ‘concern and disappointment’ over the repeated occurrences of such events.
In retaliation, India responded by summoning Bangladesh’s Acting High Commissioner on Monday, underscoring their commitment to border security and crime prevention. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs’ press release was firm in stating that these measures, including the fence construction, were implemented to combat crime and smuggling.
The statement further outlined India’s resolve: “India reiterates its commitment to ensuring a crime-free border by effectively tackling the challenges of trans-border criminal activities, smuggling, movement of criminals, and human trafficking.”
Moreover, the press release reiterated that the infrastructure like “the barbed wire fence, installation of lights at the border, setting up of technical devices, and steps like cattle barriers are for border security.” There was also an expectation conveyed that Bangladesh would adhere to all previous understandings, fostering a cooperative approach from Dhaka in the fight against trans-border crime.
This exchange of diplomatic gestures underscores the ongoing tensions and the need for both nations to navigate their commitments to security while maintaining amicable relations.