Bangladesh Requests Joint Inspection on Fencing Dispute
In a significant development, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) formally expressed its objection to the Border Security Force’s (BSF) construction of a single-row fence (SRF) within 150 yards of the Indo-Bangladesh border during the recent Director General-level border coordination conference. The BGB is seeking a fresh joint inspection to address “issues” surrounding the fencing and renegotiate terms regarding its proximity to the ‘zero line’.
Negotiation Stalemate
The BGB’s Director General highlighted the necessity for a collaborative assessment, stating, “It has been requested that we do a joint inspection and joint record of discussion on the ground very elaborately.” However, the BSF has firmly rejected any renegotiation, citing adherence to previous agreements ratified by the Bangladeshi government.
Fencing Locations and Concerns
Currently, the BSF is erecting SRF at approximately 90 points along the border. BGB’s DG Siddique indicated that the request for a joint inspection stems from the belief that better mutual consent could be achieved regarding the fence’s placement.
Minority Issues in Bangladesh
During the press conference, Siddique downplayed recent reports of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, attributing them to media exaggeration. He emphasized the safety of minority communities and cited the successful Durga Puja celebrations as evidence of peace.
The BSF DG, Daljit Singh Chawdhary, noted a significant reduction in cross-border infiltration since the change of regime in Bangladesh, underscoring the cooperative efforts of both forces.
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