NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs summoned Bangladesh’s acting high commissioner to India, Nural Islam, to the South Block at 2pm on Monday, to discuss ongoing border security issues. During the meeting, India reiterated its commitment to ensuring a crime-free border and stressed on its “expectation that all earlier understandings will be implemented”
The MEA pointed out India’s adherence to protocols and agreements regarding border security measures, including fencing, as agreed upon by the two governments of neighbouring nations and the respective border forces, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
India also restated its commitment to maintaining a crime-free border, addressing challenges such as cross-border smuggling, criminal activities, and trafficking. Key measures like barbed wire fencing, border lighting, technical installations, and cattle fences were highlighted as crucial for securing the border.
The diplomatic engagement follows Bangladesh summoning Indian high commissioner Pranay Verma a day earlier to discuss a cooperative strategy for tackling border crime.
After the meeting, Verma reaffirmed the understanding between the BSF and BGB on border security measures. “We expect this understanding will be implemented, ensuring a cooperative approach to combating crimes along the border,” Verma said.
However, Bangladesh’s home affairs adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury attributed border tensions to “unequal agreements” signed during a previous government’s tenure. “These deals have caused multiple complications along the Bangladesh-India border,” Chowdhury said.
Tensions have soared recently, particularly after objections from the BGB last week when the BSF attempted to install single-row barbed wire fencing at Sukdevpur in Malda’s Baishnabnagar. Concerns over infiltration in the area have added to the strained relations between India and Bangladesh.