India on Monday summoned Bangladesh’s acting High Commissioner Noor-al-Islam and told him that India has followed all laid down protocols in the construction of border fencing between the two neighboring countries.
The move came a day after India summoned Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Prannoy Verma by the neighboring country’s Foreign Ministry and expressed its “deep concern” over the “activities” of the Border Security Force (BSF).
The Ministry of External Affairs said that Noor-al-Islam was informed that India has followed all protocols and agreements between the two governments regarding security measures on the border. India expressed hope that Bangladesh will implement all the agreements reached between the two countries in the past and adopt a cooperative approach to deal with cross-border crimes.
“Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India Noor-al-Islam was summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs to South Block at 2 pm on Monday,” an official statement said.
“It was conveyed that India has followed all protocols and agreements between the two governments and the Border Security Force and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) regarding border security measures, including fencing,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. “
The statement said India has reiterated its commitment to ensure a crime-free border by effectively addressing the challenges of cross-border criminal activities, smuggling, movement of criminals and human trafficking.
“Installation of barbed wire, border lighting, installation of technical equipment and fencing for cattle are measures to secure the border,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.
“India expressed hope that Bangladesh will implement all earlier understandings and adopt a cooperative approach to combat cross-border crimes,” the statement said.
On Sunday, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Mohammad Jashim Uddin told Verma that the “unauthorized” fencing work by the BSF on the border was a matter of “deep concern”.
Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh and came to India after resigning from the post of Prime Minister due to massive anti-government protests in August. Since then, tension between the two countries has increased.
In a separate development, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday said India and Bangladesh “have to live together and understand each other.” “Bangladesh is strategically important for us… .We are neighbours, we have to live together. We have to understand each other. Any kind of enmity is not in each other’s interest.
The Army Chief made this comment in response to a question in his annual press conference. General Dwivedi said that India’s relations with Bangladesh Army remain intact. He said the bilateral joint exercise was postponed after the change of government in Bangladesh, but it would be conducted once the situation improves.
Subhash