India-Bangladesh Border Fencing Dispute

The ongoing border fencing dispute between India and Bangladesh has escalated recently. The Ministry of External Affairs of India affirmed its commitment to existing agreements concerning the border. This statement followed Bangladesh’s summoning of India’s High Commissioner in Dhaka, expressing serious concerns over the Border Security Force‘s (BSF) activities. Tensions arose when the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) attempted to halt the construction of barbed wire fencing along the international border in West Bengal’s Malda district. This issue has a long history, rooted in the complexities of the India-Bangladesh border.

Background of the Dispute

The India-Bangladesh border spans approximately 4,096.7 km, making it India’s longest land border with any neighbour. The border’s intricate nature stems from historical events, including the Partition. The 1975 Joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines for Border Authorities restrict the construction of defence structures within 150 yards of the zero line. However, interpretations of what constitutes a defence structure vary between the two nations.

Recent Incidents

In Malda, the BSF, in collaboration with the Central Road Works Department, began erecting a single row fence (SRF) in Kaliachak No 3 block. The BGB intervened, claiming the construction violated the bilateral agreement. Similar tensions occurred in Cooch Behar, where villagers sought to erect fencing to prevent cattle from Bangladesh from damaging their crops.

Importance of Fencing

The BSF argues that fencing is crucial for curbing trans-border crime. According to former officials, the SRF is intended to control animal movement and prevent illegal activities. The BSF maintains that their fencing does not possess defensive capabilities, contrasting with structures such as concrete walls or bunkers, which are seen as threats by Bangladesh.

Negotiation Challenges

Negotiations between the BSF and BGB have often been fraught with misunderstandings. Bangladesh’s objections to the SRF are based on two primary concerns – adherence to the 1975 agreement and the inconvenience caused to local residents. The BSF has attempted to clarify that the SRF is not a defensive measure, yet Bangladesh remains unconvinced.

Current Status of Fencing

As of 2023, approximately 3,141 km of the India-Bangladesh border has been fenced. The ongoing challenges include objections from villagers, geographical difficulties, and negotiations with Bangladesh. Notably, over 900 km of the border is riverine, where fencing is impractical. In such areas, the BSF relies on its water wing for security.

  1. SRF: Single Row Fence, not considered a defence structure by India.
  2. 1975 Agreement: Prohibits construction within 150 yards of the border.
  3. Dahagram–Angarpota: A Bangladeshi enclave located within Indian territory.
  4. Trans-border Crime: Estimated that 60% occurs where no fencing exists.
  5. Water Wing: BSF’s unit responsible for guarding riverine border areas.

Future Implications

The ongoing negotiations and incidents will likely shape the future of border security and bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh. The complexities of the border, combined with historical agreements, continue to pose challenges for both nations.

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