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Bangladeshi media outlets reported that Verma was summoned to discuss Bangladesh-India border-related issues.
Border Security Force (BSF) personnel patrol on their bicycles along the fenced border with Bangladesh ahead of India’s Republic Day celebrations in Fasidaya village on the outskirts of the eastern Indian city of Siliguri. (IMAGE: REUTERS)
The Bangladeshi foreign ministry on Sunday summoned Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma to the Bangladesh Foreign Office, Bangladeshi news outlets reported.
They said that the meeting was to discuss border-related issues.
Talking to the media after emerging from the meeting, Verma said Dhaka and New Delhi “have understandings with regard to fencing the border for security”.
Verma said that during the meeting India’s efforts to ensure a crime-free border was discussed. “(We discussed) effectively addressing the challenges of smuggling, trafficking and movement of criminals. We have an understanding with respect to fencing of borders for security,” Verma said.
“Both BSF and BGB have been in communication. We expect that the understandings will be implemented and there will be a cooperative approach against crime and there will be a cooperative approach to combating crimes along the border,” he further added.
Earlier, Bangladesh home affairs adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that the Foreign Ministry had been notified and the Indian High Commissioner might soon be summoned for discussions on an issue related to the Indo-Bangla border. He added, “Work at all disputed points has been halted, and no further activities will be permitted.”
Addressing a media briefing, Chowdhury said that due to some unequal agreements signed during the previous government’s tenure, “several issues have arisen along the Bangladesh-India border”.
“However, the efforts of our people and the BGB have forced India to stop certain activities, including the construction of barbed wire fences.” Chowdhury said Bangladesh and India have four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to govern border activities.
“Of these, the 1975 MoU specifies that no development with defence potential can take place within 150 yards of the zero line. Another MoU states that no development activities can occur within this boundary without mutual consent. Any such work requires prior agreement between the two nations,” he said.
The India-Bangladesh border, one of the longest international boundaries, has frequently witnessed tensions, including disputes over border security and cross-border movements.
Verma was seen entering the ministry around 3:00 pm. His meeting with foreign secretary Jashim Uddin lasted approximately 45 minutes. While no official statement was released by the interim government regarding the discussions, officials confirmed that the envoy has been summoned, news agency PTI reported.
- Location :
Dhaka, Bangladesh
