In a major diplomatic move, Bangladesh’s interim government has announced its intention to review and potentially annul certain border agreements with India, citing concerns over unequal terms. The matter will be raised during an upcoming high-level Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Border Security Force (BSF) meeting in New Delhi from February 17 to 20, 2024.
Home Adviser Lt. Gen. (retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed that Dhaka is determined to revisit agreements that disproportionately benefit India. Several pressing border security and trade issues will be discussed, including border killings, illegal infiltration, smuggling, and the marking of disputed territories like Muhurir Char.
The BGB delegation, led by Maj Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, will meet with BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chaudhary to push for fairer border policies and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Key Issues Bangladesh Aims to Address in the Upcoming BSF-BGB Talks
1. Kulaura Railway Station and Free Entry of Indian Nationals
One of Bangladesh’s primary concerns revolves around Kulaura Railway Station, located three kilometers inside Bangladeshi territory.
Bangladesh’s Stand:
1) BGB opposes unrestricted entry of Indian nationals at this inter-country railway station.
2) Proposal for an immigration checkpoint and customs facility to regulate border crossings.
This move is aimed at ensuring greater control over cross-border movement, preventing illegal immigration, and regulating trade at border checkpoints.
2. Border Killings and Infiltration Concerns
Bangladesh has expressed concerns over the killing of Bangladeshi nationals along the India-Bangladesh border, a long-standing bilateral issue.
Key Discussion Points:
1) Rising deaths of Bangladeshi civilians at the border due to BSF’s security measures.
2) Addressing illegal crossings and infiltration of Indian nationals into Bangladesh.
3) Seeking a diplomatic resolution to prevent further loss of life.
This issue remains a major point of contention in Bangladesh-India border relations, requiring urgent diplomatic intervention.
3. Smuggling of Drugs, Arms, and Explosives into Bangladesh
Bangladesh has accused Indian nationals of being involved in smuggling illicit goods across the border.
Major Concerns:
1) Drug trafficking disguised as medicine—Bangladesh claims some contraband items labeled as “medicines” are actually narcotics.
2) Arms and explosives smuggling from India into Bangladesh.
3) Enhancing intelligence-sharing to curb illegal activities.
Both nations are expected to discuss joint counter-smuggling operations and enhanced border surveillance measures.
4. Unauthorized Development Near the Border
Bangladesh has raised concerns over unapproved development activities carried out by India within 150 yards of the international border.
Key Issues:
1) Alleged construction and infrastructure development by Indian authorities without approval.
2) Potential impact on border security and territorial disputes.
3) Request for India to halt such projects until a bilateral resolution is reached.
Dhaka will likely demand that India halt construction in sensitive border areas and respect international boundary protocols.
5. Marking the Border Line at Muhurir Char
One of the most disputed border regions between India and Bangladesh is Muhurir Char, where both countries claim territory.
📌 Bangladesh’s Demands:
🔹 Finalizing the border demarcation in the Muhurir Char area.
🔹 Installing new border pillars to ensure clear boundary lines.
🔹 Preventing encroachments from both sides.
The talks will focus on resolving this longstanding territorial dispute through diplomatic negotiations.
6. Establishing Water Treatment Plants for Wastewater from Agartala
Bangladesh has proposed the installation of water treatment plants in four canals that carry wastewater from India’s northeastern city of Agartala to Bangladesh’s Akhaura.
Bangladesh’s Environmental Concerns:
1) Pollution of Bangladeshi water bodies due to untreated wastewater from India.
2) Adverse effects on agriculture and drinking water supplies in border villages.
3) Need for a water management agreement to ensure cleaner cross-border water flow.
This request aligns with Bangladesh’s broader environmental and public health concerns regarding transboundary water issues.
Why Bangladesh is Pushing for a Review of Border Agreements?
1) Bangladesh sees several border agreements as disproportionately favoring India.
2) Rising border killings, smuggling, and security threats have created diplomatic friction.
3) Unregulated cross-border movement and infrastructural disputes remain unresolved.
4) Ensuring fair and equal terms in bilateral agreements is a key priority for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s interim government wants to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security by renegotiating border agreements that do not serve its best interests.
India-Bangladesh Border Relations: A Complex History
1) India and Bangladesh share a 4,096 km border—the fifth longest in the world.
2) Despite friendly ties, border issues remain a contentious aspect of bilateral relations.
3) The Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) of 2015 resolved many disputes, but several issues remain unresolved.
4) Both countries have deep trade and economic ties, but border tensions continue to pose challenges.
The upcoming BGB-BSF talks in New Delhi will play a crucial role in shaping future border policies and ensuring stronger cooperation between the two nations.
The forthcoming India-Bangladesh border talks are expected to address longstanding bilateral concerns, including:
✔ Revising border agreements to ensure fairness.
✔ Addressing illegal cross-border activities, including smuggling and infiltration.
✔ Strengthening border security measures while minimizing civilian casualties.
✔ Implementing environmental measures to manage transboundary water issues.
✔ Ensuring peaceful co-existence and cooperation between the two nations.
As both countries seek to resolve these critical issues, the outcome of the discussions will shape the future of India-Bangladesh relations. Bangladesh’s push for a review of “uneven border agreements” reflects its commitment to protecting its national interests while fostering a more balanced diplomatic relationship with India.