Tensions between Bangladesh and India have escalated as Bangladeshs Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to express concerns over what it deemed unauthorized border fencing activities. The meeting, held on Sunday in Dhaka, highlighted the deepening disputes over border management, reflecting decades of historical grievances and strained bilateral relations.

Bangladeshs Objections

During around 30-minute meeting, Bangladeshs Foreign Secretary Mohammad Jashim Uddin reportedly strongly conveyed Dhakas objections to the construction of barbed wire fences by Indias Border Security Force (BSF). Uddin described the fencing as a violation of multiple agreements, including the 1975 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that prohibits development activities with defense potential within 150 yards of the zero line without mutual consent.

Construction of barbed wire fences without proper authorization undermines the spirit of cooperation and friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries, Uddin said. He also raised concerns about the alleged killing of a Bangladeshi citizen by BSF personnel at Sunamganj, calling for urgent action to prevent such incidents. Despite Indias commitment to a non-lethal strategy at the border, Uddin noted that border killings persist, exacerbating tensions.

Indias Standpoint

High Commissioner Verma defended Indias actions, citing security concerns and longstanding understandings between the BSF and Bangladeshs Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). We expect that understandings will be implemented and that there will be a cooperative approach to combating crime, Verma told reporters.

India has been fencing its 4,156-kilometer border with Bangladesh for decades, completing approximately 3,271 kilometers to date. The remaining 885 kilometers, including patches at strategic locations, remain unfenced, with plans to install physical and non-physical barriers by March 2024. Indian officials have cited security threats, including smuggling and illegal crossings, as key drivers for the fencing efforts.

Historical Grievances Resurface

The dispute has reignited historical grievances, particularly concerning the Tin Bigha Corridor agreement. Adviser to Bangladeshs Home Affairs, Lt Gen (retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, accused India of failing to fully implement commitments made under the 1974 agreement, which required India to provide uninterrupted corridor access in exchange for Bangladeshs transfer of Berubari. Chowdhury also pointed out that Indias construction of border fences on the zero line violated the 150-yard rule.

From 2010 to 2023, Bangladesh recorded 160 fencing-related conflicts, illustrating the persistent nature of border disputes. Chowdhury noted that four MoUs govern border activities between the two countries, emphasizing that any development within the 150-yard boundary requires prior agreement.

Border Tensions Amid Political Transition

The recent escalation comes against the backdrop of political changes in Bangladesh, where a caretaker government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed power following the exit of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. India has expressed concerns over emerging differences, including the treatment of Bangladeshs Hindu minority, adding another layer of complexity to bilateral relations.

Tensions along the border have been exacerbated by incidents such as the January 11 confrontation at the Nawada border outpost, where BSF personnel fired in self-defense against an alleged attack by 15-20 Bangladeshi smugglers. Such incidents underline the volatile nature of the border regions and the challenges in ensuring mutual trust and cooperation.