India on Monday conveyed to Bangladesh that it observed all “protocols and agreements” between the two governments and border forces with regard to security measures along the borders, including on fencing.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh acting High Commissioner Md Nural Islam to the South Block and conveyed the message.
The development came a day after Bangladesh ‘summoned’ Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma and conveyed deep concern during a meeting at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday over the recent activities of the BSF of India along the Bangladesh-India border.
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, according to the MEA.
India conveyed its expectation that Bangladesh will implement all earlier understandings and that there will a cooperative approach to combating cross-border crimes.
On Sunday, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin 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.
“We have an understanding with regard to fencing the border for security. Our two border guard enforcements - BSF and BGB - have been in communication in this regard,” the High Commissioner told reporters in his statement after the meeting that lasted over half an hour.
Read more: Bangladesh urges India to avoid border provocations
Verma expressed the hope that the understandings that the two border forces have will be implemented in a cooperative approach in combating the crimes along the border.
The High Commissioner said he met the Foreign Secretary to discuss India's commitment to ensuring a crime-free border and effectively addressing the challenges of smuggling and trafficking.
The Foreign Secretary 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.
He said that the construction of barbed-wire fences without proper authorisation undermines the spirit of cooperation and friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries.
The Foreign Secretary hoped that the upcoming BGB-BSF DG level talks would be able to discuss the matter at length.
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.