Border Violations at 68 Locations: Dhaka Lodges Protest with Delhi

Bangladesh has lodged a formal protest with India, alleging violations of existing bilateral protocols regarding the construction of barbed-wire fencing and other infrastructure along the Bangladesh-India border.

Dhaka has informed Delhi that anomalies or deviations have been identified in the fencing erected at 68 locations along the border.

Bangladesh maintained that new fencing work at 86 additional locations cannot commence until these anomalies are rectified.

In a note verbale sent to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka this week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Indian authorities have carried out various activities within 150 yards of the border without obtaining permission from Bangladesh.

These activities include attempts to erect barbed-wire fencing, constructing or repairing roads, building border posts or installations, and constructing bridges, culverts, embankments, or similar defensive infrastructure.

Bangladesh views these actions as inconsistent with the 1975 Joint Guidelines for Border Authorities of Bangladesh and India, as well as existing bilateral understandings and procedures governing activities in border areas.

Consequently, Bangladesh expects India to take the necessary steps to resolve these irregularities.

BGB-BSF DG-Level Talks Underway
Dhaka delivered the message around the commencement of the Director General-level talks between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) in New Delhi.

Wednesday marked the third day of the meeting, during which both sides discussed finalizing the draft Joint Record of Discussions (JRD). 

The four-day border talks conclude today, Thursday. However, diplomatic sources revealed that the two sides will not hold a joint press conference following this meeting; instead, a press release will be issued at the conclusion of the talks.

The BGB-BSF DG-level talks come against the backdrop of ongoing attempts to push individuals from India into Bangladesh. Bangladesh has termed these actions illegal, a violation of human rights, and contrary to international law.

Conversely, India maintained that it is deporting illegal foreign nationals in compliance with its domestic laws and established procedures.