On Monday, New Delhi summoned Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner Nural Islam amid the strained diplomatic relations between both the neighbouring countries. Incidentally, the development comes just a day after the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry had summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma and raised objections to the issue of border fencing.
In ANI news footage, Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner Nural Islam could be seen leaving the South Block as receiving the summons from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
#WATCH | Delhi: Nural Islam, Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India leaves from South Block after he was summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs
More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/WlF3UIArrR
— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2025
The recent rounds of diplomatic row between New Delhi and Dhaka pertains to India’s efforts to construct border fencing at five locations along the India-Bangladesh border.
Bangladesh Home Affairs Adviser, Lt Gen (retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury alleged that the conflicts erupted in five areas, including (northwestern) Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Lalmonirhat, and the Tin Bigha Corridor.
Chowdhury further alleged that “several issues have arisen along the Bangladesh-India border” due to imbalanced agreements signed by the previous government.
Part of an illicit and un-democratic government, Chowdhury blamed the earlier democratically elected Sheikh Hasina government for ironing out border disputes with India and signing border agreements.
He alleged that because the former Sheikh Hasina-led government signed unequal agreements, it had contributed to disputes over fencing at 160 sites between 2010 and 2023.
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In the meantime, Bangladesh Home Affairs Adviser added that India had halted the construction of barbed wire fencing along the border following BGB’s opposition.
A day earlier, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, after meeting the Bangladesh foreign ministry, said that Dhaka and New Delhi “have understandings with regard to fencing the border for security”.
Verma added, “Our two border guard enforcements – BSF and BGB (Border Security Force and Border Guard Bangladesh) – have been in communication in this regard. We expect that this understanding will be implemented and there will be a cooperative approach to combating crimes along the border.”
