The Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma over escalating tensions at the India-Bangladesh border. During the meeting, Bangladesh accused India of violating bilateral agreements by attempting to erect border fencing.
Dialogue Between Indian High Commissioner and Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary
The High Commissioner held a 45-minute discussion with Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin in Dhaka. Pranay Verma later informed the media that talks between the border security forces of both nations (BSF and BGB) are ongoing. He emphasized, “The mutual agreement on fencing aims to bolster efforts in preventing cross-border crimes through cooperative measures.”
Bangladesh’s Accusations and Local Resistance
Retired Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, an advisor to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs, claimed that local protests and efforts by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) prevented India from constructing barbed wire fencing. He stressed that activities at the border must adhere to the four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the two countries.
Political Instability and Strained Relations
Relations between India and Bangladesh have been strained following last year’s political turmoil in Bangladesh, which saw Sheikh Hasina’s government collapse and an interim government take charge. Reports of increased violence against minorities under the leadership of Mohammad Yunus have further deepened the divide between the neighboring nations.
