MoFA summons Indian envoy over border tension

Dhaka on Sunday summoned Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss escalating tensions along the Bangladesh-India border.

High Commissioner Verma entered the foreign ministry around 3:00pm, following reports of heightened activities and disputes along the shared border between the two neighbouring countries.

The Indian envoy was summoned by the Bangladesh foreign secretary Md Jashim Uddin and the meeting was lasted around 45 minutes.

“We have understanding with regard to fencing the border for security. Our two boarder guard enforcements - BSF and BGB - have been in communication in this regards. We expect the understandings will be implemented and that cooperative approach to combating crime,” Verma told reporters after the meeting at the ministry.

The envoy also said he and the foreign secretary also discussed Indian commitment to ensuring the crimes along the border, effectively addressing the challenges of smuggling, movements of criminal and trafficking.

The India-Bangladesh border, one of the world’s longest international boundaries, has historically been a source of contention.

Earlier in the day, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been informed of the situation and might summon the Indian High Commissioner to address the issue.

"Work at all disputed points has been halted, and we will not allow further activities," said Chowdhury, emphasising Bangladesh's firm position on border-related disputes.

The India-Bangladesh border, one of the longest international borders in the world, has frequently been a source of contention. Disputes range from border security concerns to the movement of people and goods, often requiring diplomatic intervention.

This latest development highlights the need for continued dialogue and cooperation to manage and resolve border-related issues between the two nations.

Bangladesh last time summoned Indian high commissioner to foreign ministry on December 3, 2024 after the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala was attacked.