Sun Jan 12 13:16:09 UTC 2025: ## Bangladesh Expresses “Deep Concern” Over India’s Border Fencing

**DHAKA, BANGLADESH –** The interim government of Bangladesh has voiced strong concerns over India’s construction of border fences along their shared border, claiming the work was undertaken without prior consultation. The announcement followed a meeting between Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin and Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma on January 12, 2025.

According to a press statement released by the Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Foreign Secretary Uddin conveyed the government’s “deep concern” over the Border Security Force’s (BSF) actions, describing the fence construction as “unauthorized.” He emphasized that this undermines the spirit of cooperation between the two nations. The MoFA statement highlighted the hope that upcoming talks between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the BSF would address the issue.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s Adviser on Home Affairs, Jehangir Alam Chowdhury, criticized existing India-Bangladesh border agreements (2010-2023) as “unequal,” blaming them for current border issues. He stated that India had erected fences in five locations without Bangladesh’s consent.

The meeting also addressed the recent killing of a Bangladeshi citizen by the BSF in Sunamganj. Foreign Secretary Uddin demanded an immediate investigation and action to prevent further incidents. The issue of cross-border movement, particularly following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024, was also implicitly referenced.

While High Commissioner Verma acknowledged ongoing communication between the BSF and BGB regarding border fencing, the Bangladeshi government’s strong reaction underscores the heightened tensions along the border. The incident highlights the ongoing sensitivities surrounding border security and cooperation between the two countries.

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