India's MEA Informs Bangladesh Diplomat: Border Security Measures To Continue After BSF Concerns Over BGB's Non-Cooperation

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasised border fencing to Bangladesh Acting High Commissioner Mohammed Nural Islam when he was summoned to the South Block on Monday (13 January) at 2.00 pm.

MEA conveyed that India observed all protocols and agreements between the two governments and between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) regarding border security measures including fencing.

"India reiterated its commitment to ensuring a crime-free border by effectively addressing the challenges of cross-border criminal activities, smuggling, movement of criminals and trafficking," the statement said.

"Barbed wire fencing, border lighting, installation of technical devices and cattle fences are measures for securing the border," India said urging Bangladesh to implement all earlier understandings.

"India conveyed its expectation that there will be a cooperative approach to combating cross-border crimes," statement said as the BSF reported that the Bangladesh repeatedly halted fencing work since Muhammed Yunus came to power.

“The fencing work along the India-Bangladesh border in Malda district of West Bengal was initiated in April 2024. Between April and June, the fencing work continued with prior notification to Bangladesh," a BSF officer told Indian Express.

"Between July and October, the work was halted due to the monsoon as several areas got submerged due to flooding. In November, as the fencing work resumed, it faced a setback after BGB raised objections for the first time," the officer added.

"We resumed fencing activities in December, ensuring that the BGB was duly informed beforehand as per our existing agreement. However, the interim Bangladesh government is now reneging on this agreement, saying they would review it," he continued.