Bangladesh Summons Indian Envoy Over Border Tensions
Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma on Monday, January 13, 2025, expressing serious concerns over India’s alleged unauthorized construction of border fences at five locations. The escalating tensions reflect growing discord over border management and incidents of violence along the Indo-Bangladesh border.
India Accused of Fence Construction Violations
On January 13, Bangladesh alleged that India attempted to construct barbed wire fences at five locations along their shared border without proper authorization, breaching a bilateral agreement. The sites include Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Lalmonirhat, and the Tin Bigha Corridor, according to Bangladesh Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.
Following the allegations, Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma. During the meeting, Uddin conveyed Dhaka’s strong objections, stating, “Unauthorized attempts to construct fences disrupt bilateral agreements and threaten the cooperative spirit between our countries.”
Verma, in response, reiterated India’s commitment to maintaining a secure and crime-free border, noting that discussions between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were ongoing.
Tensions Escalate Along the Border
The dispute comes amid heightened sensitivity along the 4,096-km Indo-Bangladesh border. Recent incidents, including the January 11 killing of a Bangladeshi citizen in Sunamganj, allegedly by BSF personnel, have further strained relations.
The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry highlighted these concerns during Monday’s meeting, calling for investigations into all border killings and urgent measures to prevent their recurrence. Official data reveals a rise in border-related incidents since August 2024, with violence intensifying in disputed areas.
Dhaka has also criticized previous border agreements signed under Sheikh Hasina’s government, claiming they created imbalances and disputes over fencing at 160 sites between 2010 and 2023.
India Summons Bangladeshi Envoy in Response
In a reciprocal move, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner Md. Nural Islam on January 14, 2025, to address concerns over the allegations. India emphasized the need for constructive dialogue and cooperation to resolve border disputes amicably.
Political Shifts Fuel Tensions
The border conflict occurs against the backdrop of significant political change in Bangladesh. The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year government in August 2024 led to the establishment of an interim regime under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Since then, political violence targeting minorities has surged, with 2,200 incidents reported between August and December 2024. While investigations suggest political motivations behind most attacks, the interim government has faced criticism for its handling of minority issues and border policies.
Conclusion: A Fragile Diplomatic Balance
The latest border tensions underscore the delicate nature of India-Bangladesh relations. While the upcoming BGB-BSF Director General-level talks offer a platform to address these issues, both nations must prioritize de-escalation and collaborative border management.
Without a constructive approach, these disputes risk undermining decades of progress in bilateral relations, further destabilizing a region already grappling with political and social challenges. The resolution will require diplomatic finesse, mutual respect, and adherence to existing agreements.
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