Bangladesh Foreign Secretary expressed concern to the Indian High Commissioner

Indo-Bangla Border Tensions: Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Mohammad Jashim Uddin met Indian High Commissioner Prannoy Verma in Dhaka on Sunday, January 12, 2025. In this meeting, he expressed deep concern over the recent increasing tension on the India-Bangladesh border.

According to Bangladesh’s government news agency BSS, the Indian High Commissioner was called for discussions. However, according to Indian news agency PTI, the official statement of Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry did not term it as “Talab”.

Bangladesh’s concern about border tension

The Foreign Ministry statement said:

“The Foreign Secretary conveyed to the High Commissioner of India the concern of the Government of Bangladesh regarding the recent activities of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) along the India-Bangladesh border.”

Meeting Details:

• The meeting took place at the Foreign Ministry office in Dhaka and lasted for about 45 minutes.
• The Foreign Secretary expressed his concern over unauthorized attempts to erect barbed wire fencing along the border.
• He said such efforts could harm bilateral cooperation and friendly relations.

Indian High Commissioner’s statement

Indian High Commissioner Prannoy Verma, addressing the media after the meeting, said:

“I discussed India’s commitment to decriminalizing the border, tackling problems like smuggling and human trafficking. “Talks are ongoing between BSF and Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB).”

he adds:

• There is mutual agreement between the two countries on the issue of fencing the border.
• India is committed to adopting a collaborative approach to combat crime.

Bangladesh’s allegation: violation of border agreement

Before the meeting, Bangladesh had accused India of trying to erect fencing at five places on the border in violation of bilateral agreements.

• Bangladesh claimed that these activities of BSF were creating tension and unrest.
• The recent death of a Bangladeshi citizen in BSF action in Sunamganj was also mentioned.

Bangladesh’s demands and suggestions

• Bangladesh urged that India refrain from provocative activities.
• He said that disputes should be resolved through constructive negotiations under bilateral agreements.
• These issues are expected to be discussed in detail in the upcoming BGB-BSF Director General level talks.