India expects cooperative approach in combating border crimes, says envoy Pranay Verma

The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma on Sunday following allegations that India attempted to construct fences at five locations along the Indo-Bangla border, violating a bilateral agreement.

Verma arrived at the ministry around 3:00 PM (local time) for a 45-minute meeting with Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin, state-run BSS news agency reported. While no formal statement was issued, officials confirmed the envoy was summoned.

Speaking to the media afterward, Verma emphasized that both nations have agreements on border security and fencing. “Our border enforcements—BSF and BGB—are in communication. We expect a cooperative approach to combating border crimes,” he said.

Earlier, Home Affairs Advisor Lt Gen (retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury revealed that India halted fence construction following resistance from Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and locals. Chowdhury cited agreements, including a 1975 MoU, which prohibits defense-related development within 150 yards of the zero line and requires mutual consent for activities within this boundary.

Chowdhury criticized the previous government for signing unequal agreements with India, leading to disputes over border fencing. He noted India has fenced 3,271 kilometers of the 4,156-kilometer border, leaving 885 kilometers unfenced.

“Conflicts have emerged in areas like Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Lalmonirhat, and the Tin Bigha Corridor. Thanks to the strong stance of the BGB and locals, India has paused its activities,” he said.

He also highlighted past disputes, including Bangladesh’s handover of Berubari to India in 1974, with India failing to fulfill its Tin Bigha Corridor obligations. While a 2010 agreement ensured 24-hour corridor access, it permitted India to build a fence at Angarpota, breaching the 150-yard rule.

The foreign ministry is pursuing diplomatic measures to resolve the issues, Chowdhury added.