NEW DELHI: In a tit-for-tat action, India on Monday summoned Bangladesh acting high commissioner, Nural Islam, to discuss the contentious border fencing issue, asking Dhaka to implement past understandings that were meant to prevent any illegal activity at the border.
Indian govt conveyed to the official that India has observed all protocols and agreements between the two countries on the issue of border security and it’s Dhaka that needs to keep its end of the deal. While Bangladesh has stopped work on barbed wire fencing, India said fencing is important for securing the border.
India’s response followed Bangladesh’s summoning of Indian high commissioner Pranay Verma, during which Dhaka emphasised that the construction of barbed wire fences without proper authorisation undermines the spirit of cooperation and friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries. Bangladesh had also called upon India to advise all authorities concerned in India to refrain from any provocative actions that could escalate tensions along the shared border.
In the meeting with Islam, however, India conveyed to Bangladesh that with regard to security measures at the border, including on fencing, India observed all protocols and agreements between the two govts and between the Border Security Force and Border Guard Bangladesh.
“India reiterated its commitment to ensuring a crime-free border by effectively addressing the challenges of cross-border criminal activities, smuggling, movement of criminals and trafficking. Barbed wire fencing, border lighting, installation of technical devices and cattle fences are measures for securing the border,” said govt. “India conveyed its expectation that all earlier understandings will be implemented by Bangladesh and that there will a cooperative approach to combating cross-border crimes.”
