Bangladesh Summons Indian High Commissioner Over Border Fencing and Alleged Killings
In a move reflecting escalating tensions, the Bangladesh government summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to express concerns over border fencing and alleged killings of Bangladeshi nationals. The meeting, held on Sunday, comes in the wake of India’s efforts to address smuggling, trafficking, and infiltration along the India-Bangladesh border through enhanced security measures, including barbed wire fencing.
Bangladesh’s Objections
Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced its disapproval of India’s “unauthorised” border fencing, claiming it disrupts bilateral agreements and undermines the cooperative spirit between the two nations. Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin highlighted concerns over the fencing activities, alleging they caused “disturbances” and heightened tensions along the shared border.
The Bangladeshi side also raised concerns over a recent incident in Sunamganj where a Bangladeshi national was reportedly killed in BSF firing. Bangladesh has called on India to ensure a non-lethal strategy is pursued by its border forces, as per previous commitments.
India’s Response
Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma reiterated India’s commitment to maintaining peace and security along the border. He emphasized that fencing the border is a necessary step to curb illegal activities such as smuggling and trafficking. Verma added that the cooperation between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) remains a priority to ensure effective border management.
The Bigger Question: Why Oppose Fencing?
The question arises: why is Bangladesh opposing India’s move to secure its own border within its territory? A sovereign nation has every right to fence its border to protect its citizens and safeguard its territorial integrity. India’s fencing efforts aim to address long-standing issues of illegal border crossings, cattle smuggling, and trafficking, which have been persistent problems along the porous Indo-Bangladesh border.
Facilitating Cattle Smuggling and Infiltration?
The opposition to fencing raises concerns about whether the move is aimed at facilitating illegal activities. Cattle smuggling from India into Bangladesh has been a significant issue, with estimates suggesting that thousands of cattle are smuggled annually. Similarly, illegal border crossings, often involving trafficking networks, have created socio-economic and security challenges for India.
This opposition becomes even more alarming considering the recent release of convicted terrorists in Bangladesh—individuals proven to have carried out terror activities in India. Is the resistance to border fencing an attempt to provide these terrorists with easy access to India for conducting further attacks? Such a possibility endangers India’s national security and highlights the need for stringent measures to control border movements.
By opposing border fencing, is Bangladesh inadvertently supporting these illegal activities? Or is the current interim government, which came to power after overthrowing Sheikh Hasina’s democratically elected administration, pursuing an anti-India agenda? The timing of the objection raises questions about the interim government’s motivations and its alignment with forces hostile to India.
The Need for Border Security
India’s focus on border security is not just about preventing illegal activities but also ensuring that the region remains stable. The porous nature of the Indo-Bangladesh border has long been exploited by smugglers, traffickers, and illegal migrants. Strengthening the border with physical barriers like fencing is a step toward addressing these issues comprehensively.
The objections from Bangladesh also fail to consider the rights of Indian citizens living near the border who suffer due to cross-border crimes. India’s actions are in line with its responsibilities to protect its people and maintain law and order.
A Troubling Shift in Bangladesh’s Stance
Under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, India and Bangladesh enjoyed strong ties, particularly in addressing border-related issues. Although cross-border crimes such as cattle smuggling and infiltration persisted, there was a clear and strict understanding of dealing with terrorism. The Hasina government ensured that Bangladesh would not serve as a launch pad for terror activities against India, and convicted terrorists were dealt with firmly and arrested.
In stark contrast, the interim government, which has taken an anti-India stance, appears intent on reversing the progress made in bilateral relations. By opposing border fencing, the interim government not only signals a departure from the cooperative approach but also raises concerns about its leniency towards terror networks. The release of convicted terrorists under this regime has heightened apprehensions, suggesting a possible agenda that could endanger India’s national security.
This shift in policy raises serious questions about the motivations of the interim government and its apparent disregard for the cooperative framework established during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.
Final Thoughts
India’s decision to fence its border is a sovereign right and a necessary step to address illegal activities and ensure security. Bangladesh’s interim government’s objections appear misplaced and indicate a larger anti-India narrative. Questions about the motivations behind the opposition to fencing must be addressed, especially when such measures are essential for maintaining peace and stability.
The Indo-Bangladesh border represents not just a physical divide but a line that must be secured to prevent illegal activities and protect the interests of both nations. Cooperation, not confrontation, is the way forward, but it begins with acknowledging the legitimacy of India’s right to secure its borders.