Why Bangladesh Has Objected to India’s Border Fencing

1. India and Bangladesh share a 4,096.7 km border, the longest land border India has with any of its neighbors.
2. Recently, tensions have arisen between the two countries over border fencing.

Recent Political Updates in Bangladesh include: Removal of Sheikh Hasina and Political Turmoil: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was removed from power in August 2024 following student-led protests. This led to a political crisis, with Hasina fleeing to India. Interim Government and Elections: Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed head of an interim government. Elections are planned for late 2025 or early 2026. India-Bangladesh Relations: Tensions have risen between India and Bangladesh, with India scaling back visa operations and Bangladesh seeking Hasina's extradition. Human Rights Concerns: There have been reports of increased violence against Hindus in Bangladesh following Hasina's removal. Economic Challenges: Bangladesh's financial system is facing significant challenges, with an estimated $17-$30 billion lost under Hasina's rule.

1. Recent Diplomatic Tensions

1. India Summons Bangladesh’s Acting High Commissioner: On January 13, 2025, India summoned the Bangladesh Acting High Commissioner to India, Nural Islam, to discuss concerns related to border security and fencing.
2. India assured Bangladesh that it was following all existing agreements regarding border security.
3. Bangladesh’s Response: Prior to India’s summon, Bangladesh had called in India’s High Commissioner in Dhaka, Pranay Verma, to express deep concern over the actions of the Border Security Force (BSF).
4. Bangladesh alleged that India had violated a bilateral agreement regarding the international border, particularly in the context of fencing.

5. Incidents in Malda and Cooch Behar:

   1. In Malda, Bangladesh's Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) attempted to stop the construction of a barbed-wire fence in Kaliachak No 3 block (India's side of the border), along Bangladesh’s Shibganj in Rajshahi district.
   2. In Cooch Behar (West Bengal), the construction of a fence in the Mekhliganj area, near the Dahagram-Angarpota enclave, faced resistance from Bangladesh.
   3. Villagers in India began erecting the fence to prevent cattle from straying across the border, but the BGB objected.

2. The 1975 Border Guidelines and Fencing Disputes

1. The 1975 Joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines: The guidelines state that no defense structure can be constructed within 150 yards of the international border.
   • This provision has become a major point of contention between the two countries.
2. India’s Interpretation of Fencing: India does not consider barbed-wire fencing (SRF) as a defensive structure.
   • India maintains that fencing is primarily aimed at curbing trans-border crimes and preventing cattle from straying across the border, not for military defense.
3. Bangladesh’s Objection: Bangladesh considers the construction of fences within 150 yards of the border as a violation of the 1975 guidelines.
   • It views any form of fencing, especially “smart fencing” with CCTV and electronic surveillance tools, as an infringement on its sovereignty and a potential threat to its security.

3. Border Villages and Complex Terrain

1. Complicated Border Geography: The border between India and Bangladesh is complex due to historical issues such as the Partition of India in 1947. Many villages and houses sit directly on the international boundary, making it difficult to implement the 150-yard rule for fencing.

2. Examples of Complex Areas:

   1. Jalpaiguri: Villages are situated right on the border, making it impossible to construct a fence 150 yards away.
   2. Dahagram-Angarpota: This is a Bangladeshi enclave inside India. Because of this, fences are often placed directly on the border line.
3. Fencing and Access to Villages: In areas where villages sit on the border, gates are installed to allow people to cross freely between India and Bangladesh.
   1. These gates open and close according to schedules agreed upon by local administrations from both sides. In emergencies, gates can be opened on short notice.

4. Specific Disputes Over Fencing in Malda and Cooch Behar

1. Malda District:

   1. The BSF, in collaboration with the Central Road Works Department, was building a single-row fence in Kaliachak No 3 block (India's side) near Shibganj, Bangladesh.
   2. The BGB intervened and objected to the work, citing the 1975 guidelines.
   3. India’s DIG (South Bengal Frontier) N K Pandey confirmed that the situation was normal, and India responded to Bangladesh’s objections.

2. Cooch Behar District:

   1. In Mekhliganj, near the Dahagram-Angarpota enclave, villagers started constructing the fence, assisted by the BSF.
   2. Bangladesh’s Border Guards tried to halt the fencing work, leading to further objections.
   3. The villagers said that the fence would help stop cattle from entering India and grazing on crops.

5. Why Bangladesh Objects to India’s Fencing

1. The 150-Yard Rule:

   1. Bangladesh’s main objection to India’s fencing plan is the violation of the 1975 border guidelines, which prohibit building defense structures within 150 yards of the border.
   2. Bangladesh’s security concern: Bangladesh views any form of fencing as a security threat, especially “smart fencing”, which is equipped with CCTV cameras and other electronic surveillance tools.
   3. Bangladesh fears that such measures would allow India to monitor its territory.

2. Impact on Border Residents:

   1. Fencing also impacts the people living along the border, especially in villages like Dahagram-Angarpota.
   2. These residents often have familial, economic, and social ties across the border.
   3. Fencing makes daily activities more difficult and disrupts traditional cross-border movements.

3. Fencing for Animal Control and Crime Prevention:

   1. India’s primary reason for fencing is to stop the movement of cattle and to prevent cross-border smuggling and illegal activities.
   2. The SRF (single-row fence) is not meant for military defense.
   3. It aims to reduce the movement of cattle and check trans-border crimes like human trafficking, illegal migration, and terrorism.

6. India’s Smart Fencing and Surveillance

1. Smart Fencing: India has introduced “smart fencing” in some parts of the border, which includes CCTV surveillance and electronic monitoring to keep track of illegal activities.
2. This form of fencing is controversial as Bangladesh objects to its proximity to the border, arguing that it could be used to spy on Bangladesh.
3. Security Issues: About 60% of cross-border crimes happen in areas where fencing is not present or where villages sit directly on the border.
4. The smart fencing is seen as a tool to control these issues, but Bangladesh has not agreed to it, citing sovereignty concerns.

7. Current Status of Border Fencing

1. Progress of Fencing:

   1. As of 2023, India had fenced 3,141 km of the India-Bangladesh border out of the total 4,156 km.
   2. The fencing project has been delayed in some areas due to challenges like land acquisition, opposition from villagers, and complex terrain.
2. West Bengal's Role: West Bengal shares 2,216.7 km of the border with Bangladesh.
3. As of 2023, 81.5% of the fencing was complete, but 900 km of the border is riverine, where fencing is not possible.

4. Unfenced Areas:

   1. Some small patches of the border are still unfenced due to challenges in terrain and negotiations with Bangladesh.
   2. Areas along rivers are guarded by the BSF’s water wing, as fencing cannot be installed on water.

8. The Broader Context of India-Bangladesh Border Relations

1. Strategic and Economic Significance: The border has strategic, economic, and humanitarian importance.
2. While both countries aim to curb cross-border criminal activities, they also need to respect the rights and living conditions of the people living along the border.
3. Humanitarian Considerations: The border population often has cultural and familial ties across both sides, making it crucial to balance security measures with humanitarian needs. India and Bangladesh will need to cooperate to manage these complexities effectively.

About Bangladesh:   Bangladesh is a South Asian country bordered by India on the west, north, and east, Myanmar (Burma) to the southeast, and the Bay of Bengal to the south. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with a rich history, diverse culture, and growing economy. Geography and Demographics Capital: Dhaka Area: Approximately 147,570 square kilometers (56,980 square miles). Population: Over 170 million people, making it the 8th most populous country globally. Ethnic Groups: The majority ethnic group is Bengali (98%), with minorities including Chakma, Marma, and others. Languages: Bengali (Bangla) is the official language and is spoken by the vast majority of the population. Bangladesh is located on the delta of three major rivers— the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna— making it prone to floods but also providing fertile soil for agriculture. History and Independence Early History: The region now known as Bangladesh has a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Bengal region under Hindu and Buddhist rule. It was part of the Bengal Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, and later, under British colonial rule as part of India. Partition of British India (1947): In 1947, when British India was divided into India and Pakistan, Bengal was split into West Bengal (part of India) and East Bengal (part of Pakistan, known as East Pakistan). Independence Movement: The political and cultural differences between East and West Pakistan grew over time, and tensions increased. The people of East Pakistan felt marginalized by the central government in West Pakistan. In 1971, after years of political unrest, East Pakistan declared independence, leading to the Bangladesh Liberation War. India supported the independence movement, and after months of fighting, Bangladesh became an independent nation on December 16, 1971. Government and Politics Political System: Bangladesh is a parliamentary democracy with a multi-party system. The Prime Minister is the head of government, and the President is the ceremonial head of state. Key Political Parties: The two main political parties in Bangladesh are: Awami League (AL): Led by Sheikh Hasina, the ruling party since 2009, and historically linked to the independence movement. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP): Led by the Zia family, the main opposition party. Bangladesh has experienced political instability in the form of protests, strikes, and violence, particularly between the Awami League and the BNP. Economy Bangladesh has made significant economic progress over the last few decades, despite facing challenges like natural disasters and political instability. Key Economic Sectors: Agriculture: Bangladesh has a strong agricultural sector, with rice, jute, tea, and fish being major products. The fertile plains and river systems are crucial for the agricultural economy. Textile and Garment Industry: Bangladesh is one of the world's largest producers of textiles and garments, and the sector accounts for a large portion of the country's export earnings. Remittances: Many Bangladeshis work abroad, particularly in the Middle East, and send remittances back home, which is a significant source of income for the country. Services and Industry: The services sector, including telecommunications and banking, is growing. Bangladesh is also witnessing growth in industries like shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, and information technology. Economic Growth: In recent years, Bangladesh has seen consistent economic growth, with GDP growth averaging around 6-7% annually. This growth is supported by improvements in infrastructure, a growing middle class, and exports. Foreign Relations Bangladesh maintains strong relationships with neighboring countries, particularly India, and has worked to establish trade and security cooperation. It is also a member of regional organizations like SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). Culture and Heritage Bangladesh has a rich cultural heritage, shaped by diverse influences over the centuries. Language and Literature: Bengali (Bangla) is a central part of the national identity, and the country has a proud literary tradition. Prominent figures include Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore and poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Festivals and Holidays: Major celebrations include Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year), Eid al-Fitr, and Durga Puja. The Victory Day (December 16) commemorates Bangladesh's independence. Music and Dance: Music, dance, and art are important elements of Bangladeshi culture. The traditional music styles include Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Geeti.

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