Indian High Commissioner Raises Concerns with Foreign Secretary
The Indian High Commissioner, Pranay Varma, recently expressed deep concern to Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin regarding the recent activities of the Border Security Force (BSF) of India along the Bangladesh border.
On Sunday (January 12), the Foreign Secretary conveyed the government’s profound concern to Varma at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Unapproved Construction and Operational Steps by BSF
According to the Foreign Ministry, the Foreign Secretary emphasized that such actions, especially the unauthorized construction of fencing in the border areas and the BSF’s operational steps, have created tension and confusion along the border.
He stressed that the construction of fencing without proper approval erodes cooperation and friendly relations between the two neighboring countries.
Call for Investigation and Urgent Action
The Foreign Secretary also expressed deep concern and disappointment over the recent incident of a Bangladeshi citizen being killed at the hands of the BSF in Sunamganj. He strongly condemned the brutal incident and called for an immediate halt to such incidents and for a thorough investigation into all border killings.
He urged the Indian authorities to refrain from any provocative actions that could escalate tensions or incite conflict along the border.
Promoting Dialogue and Ensuring Border Security
The Foreign Secretary highlighted that Bangladesh believes that these issues should be resolved through constructive dialogue, in line with existing bilateral agreements, to maintain peace and stability along the border.
Without proper approval, the incident of fencing construction by the BSF along the border has prompted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon Indian High Commissioner Pranay Varma for a meeting on Sunday afternoon.
After the summon, the High Commissioner met with journalists at the Ministry and stated that there have been discussions between both countries on combating smuggling and challenging crime control along the border.
He mentioned that there is mutual understanding between the border security forces of both countries in ensuring border security. Their cooperative attitude is essential for effective border control.
Previously, on December 3, the Indian High Commissioner Pranay Varma was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following attacks and vandalism at various Bangladesh missions in India, including in Agartala.
Overall, the dialogue between India and Bangladesh remains crucial for maintaining peace and stability along the border, ensuring mutual respect and cooperation between the two nations.
