Bangladesh expresses concern over BSF activities along border

Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Ambassador Md Jashim Uddin on Sunday conveyed the Government of Bangladesh’s deep concern to Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma regarding recent activities by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the Bangladesh-India border. 

During the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said such activities, particularly the unauthorised attempt to construct barbed wire fencing and the related operational actions by BSF, have caused tensions and disturbances along the border, officials said.

Uddin emphasised that the construction of barbed wire fences without proper authorisation undermines the spirit of cooperation and friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries. 

The Foreign Secretary expressed hope that the upcoming BGB-BSF DG Level Talks would discuss the issue at length. 

Referring to the recent killing of a Bangladeshi citizen in Sunamganj, allegedly by the BSF, the Foreign Secretary expressed deep concern and disappointment. 

He called on Indian authorities to take immediate steps to prevent further border killings, investigate the incidents, and hold those responsible accountable. 

He hoped that the upcoming BGB-BSF DG Level Talks would be able to discuss the matter at length.

Referring to the recent killing of a Bangladesh citizen in Sunamganj by BSF, Uddin voiced deep concern and disappointment over the repetition of border killings. 

He urged Indian authorities to take immediate action to stop border killings, conduct inquiries into such incidents, and take action against those responsible. 

Uddin noted that it is also a matter of grave concern that despite repeated firm commitments from the Indian authorities to pursue non-lethal strategy and to stop killings, such incidents of killing have continued.

The Foreign Secretary called upon the Indian government to advise all authorities concerned in India to refrain from any provocative actions that could escalate tensions along the border.

He said that Bangladesh believes that such issues should be resolved through constructive dialogue, in accordance with existing bilateral agreements, and in a way that upholds peace and tranquility along the border.

Later, speaking to reporters, the Indian High Commissioner said they discussed issues related to the movement of criminals and trafficking along the border.

“We have an understanding with regard to fencing the border for security. Our two border guarding forces, the BSF and the BGB, have been in communication in this regard”.

“We expect that understandings will be implemented and that there will be a cooperative approach to combating crime,” Mr Verma added.

Earlier in the day, Home Adviser Lt Gen Rtd Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that the BGB took a tough stance on the border, compelling the BSF to stop the fencing activities.

Recently, BSF started fencing activities at five spots along the border without consulting Bangladesh authorities, triggering resentment among people in the adjacent areas.

Out of the 4156-km border between the two countries, India has already completed fencing a 3271-km border, officials said.

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