Tensions along the borders between Bangladesh and India seem to ease at least for now. The softening tone from India has come when it assured Bangladesh on Monday that it remained committed to observing all protocols and agreements concerning border security measures, including fencing along the shared boundary.
This assurance was conveyed when the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Bangladesh's acting High Commissioner Md Nurul Islam to the South Block in New Delhi.
Border disputes have taken a new turn in recent days. This ensued when Indian Border Security Force (BSF) began erecting barbed fencing last week in five border areas, including Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Lalmonirhat and the Tin Bigha Corridor.
Intrepidly, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the local people objected to BSF's attempt of any construction activities. As a result, BSF's bid to complete building barbed wire fencing did not come to fruition even after their several attempts.
Our border forces were right to interfere in their counterparts activities in this case as the 1975 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries specified that no defence development activities can take place within 150 yards of the zero line.
So, the construction attempt of barbed wire fences by the BSF within the stipulated area was without proper authorization. And it clearly violated and undermined the spirit of cooperation and friendly relations between the two nations.
Notably, India-Bangladesh border is one of the longest international boundaries in the world. But it has frequently been a focal point of disputes, particularly concerning security and cross-border movements though India has already fenced 3,271km of the 4,156km-long border with Bangladesh, leaving approximately 885km unfenced.
But buttressing its arguments for barbed fencing, India says it wants to maintain a crime-free border and address cross-border issues such as smuggling, criminal activities, and trafficking. That is why, as India claims, measures including barbed wire fencing, border lighting, and the use of technical devices are considered essential steps for enhancing security.
By citing these reasons, BSF members have killed hundreds of Bangladeshis along the borders. According to human rights organization, Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK), at least 522 Bangladeshis were killed between 2009 and 2020. Additionally, 31 Bangladeshis were killed in 2023, of whom 28 were shot dead.
Against this backdrop, a comment from Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi is mentionable and commendable as he says that animosity between India and Bangladesh is not in the interest of either country.
Similarly, a few days ago, Bangladesh Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, echoed the views of Gen Upendra when he said that Bangladesh would not do anything that conflicts with India's strategic interests. But he was in view that Dhaka-Delhi relationships should be on give-and-take basis.
We believe that on-going border tensions would be addressed through amicable discussions between BGB and BSF authorities with the aim of peaceful co-existence of security forces from both sides.
