IN THE shadow of diplomatic pleasantries, the relationship between India and Bangladesh reveals a much darker and more unsettling truth. Despite decades of professed friendship and collaboration, the border between these two neighbouring nations has become a deadly frontier where the promises of good relations are betrayed by the harsh actions of India鈥檚 Border Security Force. This brutal reality raises serious questions about India鈥檚 commitment to its so-called friendly relationship with Bangladesh.
听
A border stained with blood
THE 4,096-kilometre border separating Bangladesh from India is one of the deadliest in the world. Despite the strong political and economic ties between the two nations, the border has become synonymous with violence, particularly at the hands of the BSF. Hundreds of Bangladeshi civilians have lost their lives or suffered severe injuries due to the BSF鈥檚 excessive and often lethal use of force. Innocent lives, like that of 14-year-old Rasel Miah, who was shot a few months back in the eye by BSF personnel, have been shattered, leaving a lasting legacy of pain and injustice.
Miah鈥檚 story is one of many that highlight a disturbing trend: the BSF鈥檚 tendency to shoot first and ask questions later. Despite being unarmed and posing no threat, Miah was shot while simply tending to his family鈥檚 cow near the border. This incident, along with countless others, paints a grim picture of India鈥檚 approach to border management, where the lives of Bangladeshi civilians are treated with little regard.
听
The Felani Khatun tragedy: A symbol of betrayal
ONE of the most infamous examples of this hostility is the tragic death of Felani Khatun, a 14-year-old Bangladeshi girl who was shot dead by the BSF while attempting to cross the border with her father. Her body was left hanging on the barbed wire for hours, a horrific image that has since become a symbol of the brutality faced by many Bangladeshi civilians at the hands of the BSF.
Despite international outcry and promises of justice, the soldier responsible for Felani鈥檚 death was acquitted. This outcome not only denied justice to Felani鈥檚 family but also sent a chilling message to the people of Bangladesh: that their lives are expendable in the eyes of the BSF and that accountability for such actions is, at best, a distant hope. In the latest incidents, the Indian guards shot dead a 15-year-old boy, Jayanta Kumar Sinha, near the Kantivita border in Thakurgaon district on September 9. Earlier on September 1, the Indian guards shot a 13-year-old girl, Swarna Das, near the Lalarchak bordering area in Moulvibazar.听
These are ruthless killings by the border forces of India and violations of human rights. Every time India expresses fake concern and makes fake promises without any effective steps to stop the illegal brutal killings.
听
The erosion of trust
THE continuous violence along the border has severely eroded trust between the two nations. While Bangladesh has maintained a relatively friendly stance toward India, often under the leadership of the Awami League, the actions of the BSF have sparked deep resentment among the Bangladeshi population. This resentment is compounded by the perception that India鈥檚 influence over Bangladeshi politics has often prioritised its own interests over the well-being of the Bangladeshi people.
This growing distrust is not unfounded. The BSF鈥檚 actions, which include not only killings but also abductions and torture of Bangladeshi civilians, are a stark contrast to the promises made by Indian leadership to reduce border violence. Despite assurances that non-lethal weapons would be used, the killings have continued unabated, raising serious doubts about India鈥檚 commitment to the safety and dignity of its neighbour.
听
India鈥檚 Border Security Force
THE persistent violence at the border highlights a troubling lack of political will on India鈥檚 part to address these human rights abuses. While the Indian government has repeatedly expressed regret over the incidents and pledged to take action, the reality on the ground tells a different story. The killings continue and justice remains elusive for the victims and their families.
This inaction reflects poorly on India鈥檚 leadership, suggesting that the lives of Bangladeshi civilians are not a priority. It also exposes a broader issue: the failure of diplomatic efforts to translate into meaningful change on the ground. The Bangladeshi government, often seen as being too accommodating to Indian interests, has also faced criticism for not doing enough to protect its citizens and demand accountability from India.
听
Recommendations for maintaining good relations
Ensure justice and accountability at the border: Proper investigation and accountability should be established for killings and abuses occurring at the border. India must ensure transparency regarding the actions of its forces and adhere to international human rights standards.
Reduce tensions through diplomatic dialogue: Regular and effective diplomatic discussions between Bangladesh and India are necessary to address border issues. Through such dialogues, mutual trust can be rebuilt between the two nations. After discussions, effective steps must be taken; otherwise, killings will continue as before. India must take a more stringent approach to solve this longstanding issue; otherwise, no resolution will be achieved.
Uphold the commitment to use non-lethal weapons: India must reinforce its commitment to using non-lethal weapons to reduce violence at the border. Indian border forces need to be instructed not to use lethal weapons unnecessarily on the people living in Bangladesh鈥檚 border areas.
Ensure the safety of border communities: Both governments must take more effective measures to protect the safety and human rights of the people living in border areas.
听
A friendship in name only
THE relationship between India and Bangladesh is often touted as a model of bilateral cooperation in South Asia. However, the ongoing violence at the border tells a different story 鈥� one of a friendship that exists more in rhetoric than in reality. As long as the BSF continues to act with impunity and Bangladeshi lives are treated as expendable, the relationship between these two nations will remain deeply flawed. India needs to revisit their foreign policy and attitude towards Bangladesh; it should behave at least like a good neighbour, if not a friend.听
For the people living along the border, the promises of friendship and cooperation mean little when their daily reality is one of fear and violence. Until India takes concrete steps to address the actions of its border forces and holds them accountable, the notion of a true friendship between India and Bangladesh will remain, tragically, just an illusion.
听
HRM Rokan Uddin, a retired Brigadier General, is a writer, military thinker and ex-military diplomat.