India-Bangladesh Border Talks: Security, Fencing, and Rising Tensions
High-Level Meeting to Address Border Fencing, Attacks on BSF, and Cross-Border Crimes
New Delhi, February 17, 2025: Amid growing tensions along the India-Bangladesh border, top officials from both countries’ border forces are set to meet in New Delhi. This is the first high-level discussion since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. The meeting will focus on key security issues, including border fencing, attacks on Indian personnel, and cross-border crimes.
The four-day 55th Director General-Level Border Coordination Conference, scheduled from February 17-20, will be led by Border Security Force (BSF) Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary for India and Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui for Bangladesh’s Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). The Bangladeshi delegation consists of 10 members.
Border Fencing: A Source of Tension
A major point of contention between India and Bangladesh is the construction of the Single Row Fence (SRF) along the border. India has planned phased fencing along its 4,096-km border with Bangladesh to prevent illegal migration and crime. So far, 3,196.7 km of fencing has been completed, but some areas remain unfinished due to objections from the BGB.
Bangladesh’s new caretaker government, led by Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus, has challenged India’s border security measures. Last month, Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Mohammad Jashim Uddin called the fencing “unauthorized,” sparking diplomatic tensions. India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded by stating that all security measures follow existing agreements.
On January 5, tensions escalated when BGB personnel and Bangladeshi civilians tried to stop the SRF construction in Malda, West Bengal, leading to stone-pelting incidents. Despite several meetings between sector commanders, the issue remains unresolved and will be a key topic at the upcoming discussions.
Rising Attacks on Indian Border Forces
India is also concerned about increasing attacks on BSF personnel by armed groups from Bangladesh. In the past three months, there have been more than 24 incidents where infiltrators and smugglers have attacked BSF guards, often trying to snatch their weapons.
One of the most recent attacks took place between February 4-5 in Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal. Armed Bangladeshi criminals, carrying swords and sharp weapons, ambushed BSF personnel. The BSF has sent multiple protest notes to the BGB, demanding stricter measures to stop such incidents.
Diplomatic Challenges and Security Issues
The leadership change in Bangladesh has complicated security cooperation between the two countries. The new government is reviewing past agreements signed under Sheikh Hasina, and some deals may be renegotiated. Bangladesh’s Home Advisor, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Mohammed Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, has hinted at a tougher stance in border discussions.
Meanwhile, India has halted the construction of BGB’s illegal bunkers within 150 yards of the border, citing violations of existing agreements. India insists that the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) is crucial for regional security and stability.
A Test for Bilateral Relations
The upcoming border meeting is a critical moment for India-Bangladesh relations. While India wants to complete border fencing, Bangladesh’s changing policies and rising hostilities complicate matters.
These talks will test the strength of diplomatic ties and security cooperation between the two nations. The outcome will shape future border policies and regional security in South Asia.
Inputs from: Hindustan Times
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