India and Bangladesh are currently embroiled in a new dispute regarding the barbed-wire fencing along their international border, stemming from an agreement established during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka. Prior to the recent objections raised by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, the border issue between the two nations was deemed resolved.
The Border Security Force (BSF) initiated the installation of barbed wire along the unfenced sections of the India-Bangladesh border in April of the previous year, in line with the existing agreement and following prior notification to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). The process proceeded without incident until December, when the interim government, which came to power in Bangladesh following a student-led movement that resulted in Hasina’s departure, expressed objections to the fencing operations. Reports have also indicated that the Yunus administration may be contemplating a withdrawal from the border agreement with India.
According to a report by The Indian Express, sources within the BSF indicated that the fencing work in West Bengal’s Malda district began in April and progressed “smoothly” for the subsequent three months. However, the report noted that “since November, after the Yunus-led interim government took office in Bangladesh, the fencing operations have faced repeated interruptions,” as stated by a BSF officer.
The officer elaborated that “between April and June, the fencing work proceeded with prior notification to Bangladesh. Operations were suspended from July to October due to the monsoon season, which caused flooding in several areas. When the work resumed in November, it encountered challenges after the BGB raised objections for the first time.”
India-Bangladesh Border Fencing Dispute
On Sunday, the government of Bangladesh accused India of attempting to erect fences at five sites along the India-Bangladesh border, which it claims contravenes a bilateral agreement. In response, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry summoned India’s High Commissioner, Pranay Verma, to convey its “deep concern” regarding the “recent activities of the BSF.”
During the discussion, Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary, Jashim Uddin, raised objections to the “unauthorized” efforts to install barbed wire fencing in multiple locations along the border, which have led to increased tensions and disturbances in those regions.
In his remarks following the meeting, Verma explained India’s rationale for the construction of barbed fencing along the border. “I just met with [Bangladesh’s] foreign secretary to discuss India’s commitment to maintaining a crime-free border and effectively tackling issues related to smuggling, criminal movement, and trafficking,” Verma stated to the media in Dhaka on Sunday.
An agreement has been reached concerning the fencing of the border for security purposes. Verma stated that the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been in discussions on this matter. He expressed optimism that these agreements will be put into action and that a collaborative effort will be made to address criminal activities.
Shortly thereafter, on Monday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Md Nural Islam, the Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh, to reaffirm India’s commitment to all protocols concerning border management and to emphasize its dedication to maintaining a crime-free border.
The MEA’s statement indicated that India has adhered to all security protocols and agreements related to border management, including fencing, as established between the two governments and their respective border forces.
In response to allegations from Bangladesh, the MEA reiterated India’s commitment to ensuring a crime-free border by effectively tackling the issues of cross-border crime, smuggling, the movement of criminals, and trafficking. Measures such as barbed wire fencing, border lighting, the installation of technical devices, and cattle fences are being implemented to secure the border.
The 2,216 km porous border between India and Bangladesh presents numerous security challenges, including smuggling, trafficking, and illegal entry. Notably, a 27 km section of the 172 km India-Bangladesh border in the Malda district remains unfenced. A recent dispute has emerged regarding the installation of barbed wire along a 1,200-meter stretch in Baishnabnagar village.
With approximately 50 percent of its 2,216 km border with Bangladesh still unfenced, West Bengal is facing increased security threats.
A senior BSF officer highlighted the vulnerability of the Malda district, stating that fencing in this area is essential for both India and Bangladesh, as it will significantly reduce cross-border crime, benefiting both countries.
