Bangladesh urges India to avoid provocative actions in border
The foreign secretary conveyed Bangladesh's deep concerns regarding recent actions by BSF along the Bangladesh-India border
Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin today (12 Janaury) called upon the government of India to advise all the authorities concerned in India to refrain from any provocative actions that could escalate tensions along the shared border.
During a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma at his office, the foreign secretary conveyed Bangladesh's deep concerns regarding recent actions by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) along the Bangladesh-India border.
He stressed that such activities particularly the unauthorised attempt to construct barbed wire fencing and the related operational actions by BSF, have caused tensions and disturbances along the border.
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The foreign secretary emphasised that the construction of barbed wire fences without proper authorisation undermines the spirit of cooperation and friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries.
He hoped that the upcoming BGB-BSF director general level talks would be able to discuss the matter at length.
Referring to the recent killing of a Bangladesh citizen at Sunamganj by BSF, the foreign secretary expressed deep concern and disappointment over such repetition of border killings.
He strongly resented these acts of killing and called for urgent action by the Indian authorities to stop recurrence of such incidents and conduct enquiries into all these border killings and take actions against those responsible.
Jashim Uddin mentioned that it is also a matter of grave concern that despite repeated firm commitments from the Indian authorities to pursue non-lethal strategy and to stop killings, such incidents of killing have been continuing.
He called upon the government of India to advise all concerned authorities in India to refrain from any provocative actions that could escalate tensions along the shared border.
"Bangladesh believes that such issues should be resolved through constructive dialogue, in accordance with existing bilateral agreements, and in a way that upholds peace and tranquility along the border," he added.
In response, Pranay Verma expressed the hope that the understanding between the two border forces will be implemented in a cooperative approach to combating the crimes along the border.
Referring to an understanding in regards to fencing the border, the High Commissioner said the two border forces- BSF and BGB - have been in communication.
Earlier in the day, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said 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."
The India-Bangladesh border, one of the longest international borders in the world, has often been a point of contention, with incidents ranging from border security issues to the movement of people.
