Border tensions escalate between Bangladesh, India

ISLAMABAD: The Indian government summoned Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) Nural Islam in New Delhi on Monday amid escalating border tensions between the two nations.

The development comes a day after the Bangladesh foreign ministry summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma over the issue and conveyed warning on Indian BSF activities on border. Indian media reported that Nural Islam was seen leaving from South Block after he was summoned by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), referring to ANI wire service report.

The border tensions between Bangladesh and India have escalated after Dhaka alleged that India was trying to construct fences at five locations along the Bangladesh-India border, violating a bilateral agreement.

According to Bangladesh Home Affairs Adviser, Lt-Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the conflicts have surfaced in five areas, including (north-western) Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Lalmonirhat, and the Tin Bigha Corridor. The general claimed that “several issues have arisen along the Bangladesh-India border” due to imbalanced agreements signed by the previous government. He criticised the former Sheikh Hasina-led government for signing unequal agreements, which he said contributed to disputes over fencing at 160 sites between 2010 and 2023.

Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, who was summoned by the Bangladesh foreign ministry a day earlier, said after the meeting that Dhaka and New Delhi “have understandings with regard to fencing of the border for security”.