The attempt of India鈥檚 Border Security Force of March 17 at erecting barbed-wire fences along the border at Dahagram in Lalmonirhat is worrying as it violates the established border protocols. Indian border guards began erecting the fence with iron poles and fencing materials along the Sardar Para stretch of the border. The construction had been halted only after Bangladeshi border guards intervened and formally protested against the move. Border Guard Bangladesh officials have said that the fencing work was taking place in the no man鈥檚 land. But, the Border Guidelines, signed between Bangladesh and India in 1975, does not allow the construction of structures within 150 yards from the zero line on each side of the border. The incident follows two earlier attempts of the Indian guards to erect fences along the same stretch on March 2 and January 10. While the situation remains calm for now, local people say that an unease prevails about the growing presence of Indian guards near the border. They report that the repeated fencing attempts threaten their movement and farm work and create an atmosphere of insecurity in the frontiers.
Indian border guards made similar attempts along the borders in Chapainawabganj and Naogaon in recent months. This pattern reflects not only disregard for the established border protocols but also undermines the spirit of cooperation that bilateral relations require. The repeated violations send out a signal for a serious deviation from the commitments made at meetings between the two border forces. Although the meetings have often come up with pledges to uphold mutual understanding and prevent tension, such commitments are increasingly brought into question by action on part of the Indian guards. The move at hand of the Indian border guards could well be construed as an attempt at discommoding the Bangladesh government, which is in a transitional phase, especially in view of a series of events have happened in the border with the direct involvement of India鈥檚 Border Security Force. Such events on part of the Indian guards began in the final days of December 2024 with the erection of barbed-wire or electric fences along the border in Lalmonirhat, Chapainawabganj and Naogaon. Such events also endanger any efforts for improvement in bilateral relations, which have faced a setback because of India鈥檚 support for the authoritarian Awami League regime, toppled in a mass uprising on August 5, 2024.
Dhaka should, therefore, take up the issue with New Delhi to ensure that such attempts are addressed with the seriousness that they warrant. Delhi, in turn, should also ensure strict adherence to protocols. Such action is not welcome when both the neighbours are working to improve bilateral relations.
