Indo-Bangladesh Row over Border Fencing; UK PM Under Pressure to Sack Hasina's Niece
Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Mohammad Jashim Uddin on Sunday expressed "deep concern" to Indian high commissioner Pranay Verma over "unauthorised" fencing attempts by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) during a meeting in Dhaka.
"We have an understanding with regard to fencing the border for security. BSF and BGB have been in communication in this regard. We expect that understandings will be implemented and there will be cooperative approach to combating crime," Verma told reporters after the meeting.
"Construction of barbed wire fences without proper authorisation undermines the spirit of cooperation and friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries," Jashim Uddin argued.
Tensions have risen along the India-Bangladesh border after an interim government took over in Dhaka, after the exit of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following protests. The BSF has stepped up efforts to deter Bangladeshi smugglers, while Dhaka claims India violated bilateral agreements by attempting to build fencing at five locations. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has opposed the BSF's construction at several sites that had been mutually agreed upon under the previous government, as reported by the Hindustan Times.
Jashim Uddin also expressed concern over the killing of a Bangladeshi citizen in Sunamganj by Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and called for urgent action to prevent further border killings.
On January 11, BSF personnel fired in self-defence at Nawada border outpost after smugglers attacked them with sharp objects. Similar incidents occurred at multiple outposts in Murshidabad and Malda districts, prompting BSF to take defensive measures.
Earlier on Sunday, Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, Lt Gen (ret.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, pointed to historical disputes over border agreements, urging India to address tensions through dialogue. He specifically mentioned the Tin Bigha Corridor, where India had failed to provide continuous access as agreed, the Berubari transfer in 1974, where Bangladesh handed over land to India without receiving promised reciprocal benefits, and ongoing conflicts over fencing plans from 2010 to 2023, including violations of the 150-yard rule for fence construction.
According to the Hindustan Times, BGB has halted construction by the BSF at several locations in North and South Bengal, where the two forces had previously agreed on projects under the previous government. Tensions have risen following objections by BGB personnel, especially at Sabdalpur village in Malda, where a fence construction was underway. Indian villagers clashed with their Bangladeshi counterparts during the dispute, though no violence was reported.
The disagreement comes amid a series of border-related incidents, including the arrest of five Indian civilians and false social media claims about land disputes.
The BSF and BGB commanders met on January 9, but bi-annual talks remain delayed due to Bangladesh’s political situation.
Siddiq property scandal
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under growing pressure to dismiss Labour minister Tulip Siddiq, who is former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s niece. She faces allegations of corruption linked to her London properties. The Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Siddiq, is accused of using properties allegedly gifted by Awami League allies.
Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, called for an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission, asserting that the assets bought by allies of Hasina’s Awami League should be returned to Bangladesh.
Siddiq referred herself to the independent adviser on ministerial standards last Monday after media reports revealed that some London properties she lived in had been gifted by Awami League, maintaining she had done nothing wrong.
Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch on Sunday called for PM Starmer to sack Siddiq.
"He appointed his personal friend as anti-corruption minister and she is herself accused of corruption," Badenoch said.
Starmer had said last week he had confidence in Siddiq.
According to The Sunday Times, the properties involved are valued at around £2.1 million (₹22 crore) and £1.4 million (₹15 crore).