Publish: 13:39, 12 Jan, 2025 Updated: 15:23, 12 Jan, 2025

BGB's firm stand forces India to halt border fence construction: Home Adviser

Online Desk
BGB's firm stand forces India to halt border fence construction: Home Adviser
UNB Photo

India has been compelled to halt the construction of barbed-wire fences along several border areas following the strong stance taken by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local residents, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday.

Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat on the Bangladesh-India border situation, the adviser said that India had initiated fencing work at five points along the border.

Mentioning that four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed between the two countries regarding border demarcation and the responsibilities of respective border forces, he said, "These agreements stipulate that no defense-related construction or development work can be carried out within 150 yards of the zero line without mutual consent.”

The adviser mentioned that India has already fenced 3,271 kilometres out of the 4,156-kilometre border shared with Bangladesh, leaving 885 kilometres unfenced.

He criticised the previous government for permitting certain actions by India that were against Bangladesh’s interests.

“From 2010 to 2023, India constructed fences in 160 locations, creating complications. Another 78 spots also face issues and recently, disputes have arisen at five locations, including Chapainawabganj, the Tin Bigha Corridor in Lalmonirhat, Patnitala in Naogaon, Feni, Kushtia, and Cumilla,” he said.

The adviser revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed and the Indian High Commissioner may be summoned soon to discuss the matter. "Work at all disputed points has been halted and we will not allow further activities."

Tin Bigha Corridor Dispute

On the issue of the Tin Bigha Corridor, the adviser criticised the lack of reciprocity in agreements. "In 1974, Bangladesh handed over Berubari following the treaty, which was ratified by our Parliament. In return, India was supposed to provide us with permanent access to the Tin Bigha Corridor. While we fulfilled our part, India failed to ratify the agreement in their Parliament," he said.

Despite a 2010 agreement to ensure 24-hour access through the corridor, India constructed fences in the Angorpota-Dahagram area, violating the clause that prohibits construction within 150 yards of the zero line, he explained. “Legally, our ability to obstruct such actions is limited due to prior agreements. If we become overly assertive, India might retaliate by restricting access to the corridor,” he said.

The upcoming BGB-BSF director general-level meeting in February is expected to address these concerns, he said, adding, "We aim to resolve the disputes through discussions and formal communication, including a letter requesting the cancellation of previous unequal agreements."

Strengthening Border Security

When asked about measures to enhance border security, the adviser stressed that Bangladesh has ample resources and the support of its people. "The people are our greatest strength. Together with the BGB, we will overcome any challenges posed by India’s activities," he said.

On whether Bangladesh plans to annul the concessions granted by previous administrations, Jahangir Alam stated, "Our Director General will raise the issue during the February meeting. We will also formally request India to void the unfavorable agreements."

Despite the complexities, the adviser expressed optimism about resolving the disputes, crediting the vigilance of journalists and public awareness. "Media reports have been instrumental in prompting swift action. If not for your efforts, such issues might have escalated," he said.

Source: UNB

bd-pratidin/Rafid

More News
Yunus-Modi talks in Bangkok will benefit peoples of both countries, hopes Mirza Fakhrul
Yunus-Modi talks in Bangkok will benefit peoples of both countries, hopes Mirza Fakhrul
BNP to arrange countrywide Swadhinata Concert
BNP to arrange countrywide Swadhinata Concert
India keen in building positive, constructive relations with Bangladesh: Vikram Misri
India keen in building positive, constructive relations with Bangladesh: Vikram Misri
CA urges Thailand to ease visa procedures
CA urges Thailand to ease visa procedures
Myanmar agrees to take back 1.8 lakh Rohingyas
Myanmar agrees to take back 1.8 lakh Rohingyas
NCP ready to take challenge to contest in 300 seats: Sarjis
NCP ready to take challenge to contest in 300 seats: Sarjis
CA holds bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan premier
CA holds bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan premier
Prof. Yunus presents photograph to Modi
Prof. Yunus presents photograph to Modi
BIMSTEC secretary general meets CA
BIMSTEC secretary general meets CA
Yunus-Modi meeting fruitful: Press Secretary
Yunus-Modi meeting fruitful: Press Secretary
IMF team to arrive in Dhaka tomorrow
IMF team to arrive in Dhaka tomorrow
Extortion fuels unrest in CHT: Home Adviser
Extortion fuels unrest in CHT: Home Adviser
Latest News
China files lawsuit with WTO following US new tariffs
China files lawsuit with WTO following US new tariffs
4 hours ago | International
Yunus-Modi talks in Bangkok will benefit peoples of both countries, hopes Mirza Fakhrul
Yunus-Modi talks in Bangkok will benefit peoples of both countries, hopes Mirza Fakhrul
5 hours ago | National
China hits back at Trump tariffs with 34% tax on US goods
China hits back at Trump tariffs with 34% tax on US goods
5 hours ago | International
BNP to arrange countrywide Swadhinata Concert
BNP to arrange countrywide Swadhinata Concert
5 hours ago | National
India keen in building positive, constructive relations with Bangladesh: Vikram Misri
India keen in building positive, constructive relations with Bangladesh: Vikram Misri
6 hours ago | National
SAFF extraordinary congress held
SAFF extraordinary congress held
6 hours ago | Sports
Elton John says new album 'freshest' since 1970s
Elton John says new album 'freshest' since 1970s
7 hours ago | Entertainment
CA urges Thailand to ease visa procedures
CA urges Thailand to ease visa procedures
7 hours ago | National
Families of Duterte drug war victims demand probe into online threats
Families of Duterte drug war victims demand probe into online threats
7 hours ago | International
Sisu – the Finnish concept of action and creativity in hard times
Sisu – the Finnish concept of action and creativity in hard times
8 hours ago | Lifestyle
Myanmar agrees to take back 1.8 lakh Rohingyas
Myanmar agrees to take back 1.8 lakh Rohingyas
8 hours ago | National
China imposes 34% tariffs on US goods in retaliation for Trump’s trade war
China imposes 34% tariffs on US goods in retaliation for Trump’s trade war
8 hours ago | International
NCP ready to take challenge to contest in 300 seats: Sarjis
NCP ready to take challenge to contest in 300 seats: Sarjis
8 hours ago | National
CA holds bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan premier
CA holds bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan premier
8 hours ago | National
Security 'breakdown' allows armed men into Melbourne's MCG
Security 'breakdown' allows armed men into Melbourne's MCG
8 hours ago | Sports
Hridoy poised to succeed Tamim as Mohammedan Captain
Hridoy poised to succeed Tamim as Mohammedan Captain
9 hours ago | Sports
Pacific nations perplexed, worried by Trump tariffs
Pacific nations perplexed, worried by Trump tariffs
9 hours ago | International
Israel turns two-thirds of Gaza into no-go zones: UN
Israel turns two-thirds of Gaza into no-go zones: UN
9 hours ago | International
Mass grave of Roman-era fighters uncovered in Vienna
Mass grave of Roman-era fighters uncovered in Vienna
9 hours ago | Tech
Prof. Yunus presents photograph to Modi
Prof. Yunus presents photograph to Modi
10 hours ago | National
BIMSTEC secretary general meets CA
BIMSTEC secretary general meets CA
10 hours ago | National
Yunus-Modi meeting fruitful: Press Secretary
Yunus-Modi meeting fruitful: Press Secretary
10 hours ago | National
Europe discontent over Russia for rejecting Trump's truce push
Europe discontent over Russia for rejecting Trump's truce push
10 hours ago | International
7 killed in deadly US tornado
7 killed in deadly US tornado
10 hours ago | International
IMF team to arrive in Dhaka tomorrow
IMF team to arrive in Dhaka tomorrow
10 hours ago | National
Extortion fuels unrest in CHT: Home Adviser
Extortion fuels unrest in CHT: Home Adviser
10 hours ago | National
US tariffs a 'significant risk' to global economy: IMF
US tariffs a 'significant risk' to global economy: IMF
11 hours ago | International
CA holds bilateral talks with Bhutan PM
CA holds bilateral talks with Bhutan PM
11 hours ago | National
Trump unveils first $5 million 'gold card' visa
Trump unveils first $5 million 'gold card' visa
11 hours ago | International
Key decisions ahead for Proteas and Aussies before WTC final
Key decisions ahead for Proteas and Aussies before WTC final
11 hours ago | Sports
Most Read
Dhaka's air 'unhealthy' today
Dhaka's air 'unhealthy' today
18 hours ago | City
Hasina’s extradition, border, water issues featured in Dr Yunus-Modi first-ever talks
Hasina’s extradition, border, water issues featured in Dr Yunus-Modi first-ever talks
13 hours ago | National
Turkiye condemns Israel as greatest threat to regional peace
Turkiye condemns Israel as greatest threat to regional peace
18 hours ago | International
Country’s export sector in deep crisis amid 37% US tariff
Country’s export sector in deep crisis amid 37% US tariff
15 hours ago | Business
Bangladesh to chair BIMSTEC for 2 years
Bangladesh to chair BIMSTEC for 2 years
15 hours ago | National
Myanmar agrees to take back 1.8 lakh Rohingyas
Myanmar agrees to take back 1.8 lakh Rohingyas
8 hours ago | National
Holding polls at earliest possible time top priority: CA
Holding polls at earliest possible time top priority: CA
16 hours ago | National
Prof. Yunus presents photograph to Modi
Prof. Yunus presents photograph to Modi
10 hours ago | National
Bangladesh, Thailand sign MoU to jointly combat corruption
Bangladesh, Thailand sign MoU to jointly combat corruption
12 hours ago | National
Yunus-Modi meeting fruitful: Press Secretary
Yunus-Modi meeting fruitful: Press Secretary
10 hours ago | National
White House releases AFTP report, signaling major shift in US trade policy
White House releases AFTP report, signaling major shift in US trade policy
18 hours ago | Business
Dhaka weather to stay consistent until noon
Dhaka weather to stay consistent until noon
17 hours ago | City
CA seeks humanitarian channel in Rakhine to stop further displacement
CA seeks humanitarian channel in Rakhine to stop further displacement
15 hours ago | National
Bangladesh set for relentless cricket calendar through early 2027
Bangladesh set for relentless cricket calendar through early 2027
13 hours ago | Sports
IMF team to arrive in Dhaka tomorrow
IMF team to arrive in Dhaka tomorrow
10 hours ago | National
Deadly fire on Gaza ambulances possible Israeli 'war crimes': UN official
Deadly fire on Gaza ambulances possible Israeli 'war crimes': UN official
17 hours ago | International
Sisu – the Finnish concept of action and creativity in hard times
Sisu – the Finnish concept of action and creativity in hard times
8 hours ago | Lifestyle
Mild to moderate heat wave sweeps over many districts
Mild to moderate heat wave sweeps over many districts
13 hours ago | National
Veteran Bollywood actor Manoj Kumar dies
Veteran Bollywood actor Manoj Kumar dies
12 hours ago | Entertainment
US tariffs a 'significant risk' to global economy: IMF
US tariffs a 'significant risk' to global economy: IMF
11 hours ago | International
Europe discontent over Russia for rejecting Trump's truce push
Europe discontent over Russia for rejecting Trump's truce push
10 hours ago | International
Israel kills at least 112 Palestinians in past 24 hours
Israel kills at least 112 Palestinians in past 24 hours
13 hours ago | International
CA seeks Thai elite’s support for ASEAN membership
CA seeks Thai elite’s support for ASEAN membership
12 hours ago | National
BIMSTEC secretary general meets CA
BIMSTEC secretary general meets CA
10 hours ago | National
NCP ready to take challenge to contest in 300 seats: Sarjis
NCP ready to take challenge to contest in 300 seats: Sarjis
8 hours ago | National
Japan PM Ishiba says Trump tariffs 'national crisis'
Japan PM Ishiba says Trump tariffs 'national crisis'
14 hours ago | Business
Trump unveils first $5 million 'gold card' visa
Trump unveils first $5 million 'gold card' visa
11 hours ago | International
Mass grave of Roman-era fighters uncovered in Vienna
Mass grave of Roman-era fighters uncovered in Vienna
9 hours ago | Tech
China imposes 34% tariffs on US goods in retaliation for Trump’s trade war
China imposes 34% tariffs on US goods in retaliation for Trump’s trade war
8 hours ago | International
CA holds bilateral talks with Bhutan PM
CA holds bilateral talks with Bhutan PM
11 hours ago | National