India-Bangladesh Border Dispute
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: IE
Context: Recently, the Border Security Force (BSF) of India and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) held a coordination meeting at the Petrapole-Benapole border, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining border sanctity and resolving contentious issues like fencing.
Disputed places between India and Bangladesh border:
• Sukdebpur, West Bengal (Malda District): Location: Sukdebpur is situated along the international border in West Bengal’s Malda district. Issue: Disagreement between India and Bangladesh over the construction of border fences within the 150-yard limit stipulated by the 1975 border guidelines.
• Location: Sukdebpur is situated along the international border in West Bengal’s Malda district.
• Issue: Disagreement between India and Bangladesh over the construction of border fences within the 150-yard limit stipulated by the 1975 border guidelines.
• Dahagram-Angarpota Enclave (West Bengal): Location: Close to Cooch Behar in West Bengal, this Bangladeshi enclave is surrounded by Indian territory. Issue: Tensions over connectivity and movement rights between the enclave and mainland Bangladesh.
• Location: Close to Cooch Behar in West Bengal, this Bangladeshi enclave is surrounded by Indian territory.
• Issue: Tensions over connectivity and movement rights between the enclave and mainland Bangladesh.
• Comilla-Tripura Stretch: Location: Along the Tripura border. Issue: The 6.5 km stretch remains undemarcated, creating ambiguity in border enforcement and occasional disputes.
• Location: Along the Tripura border.
• Issue: The 6.5 km stretch remains undemarcated, creating ambiguity in border enforcement and occasional disputes.
About 1975 Indo-Bangladesh Joint Agreement:
• What it is: A bilateral guideline for border management to maintain peace and avoid disputes.
• Key Features: Prohibits constructing defense structures within 150 yards of the international border. Encourages bilateral discussions for border issues, ensuring mutual respect and cooperation.
• Prohibits constructing defense structures within 150 yards of the international border.
• Encourages bilateral discussions for border issues, ensuring mutual respect and cooperation.
• Why Disputed:
• Fencing Definition: India does not consider wire fencing a defense structure, while Bangladesh does.
• Security Concerns: High incidents of cattle smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal immigration necessitate fencing, which Bangladesh views as a disruption to local livelihoods.
• Smart Fencing Opposition: Bangladesh opposes smart fences with CCTV and electronic surveillance near the border, citing privacy concerns.
• Status of Fencing:
• Total Fenced: 3,141 km of the 4,156 km border (Ministry of Home Affairs, 2023).
• Pending Issues: Non-cooperation from local authorities in West Bengal and land acquisition delays. Difficult terrain, including 900 km of riverine border, complicates fencing efforts.
• Non-cooperation from local authorities in West Bengal and land acquisition delays.
• Difficult terrain, including 900 km of riverine border, complicates fencing efforts.
Insta links:
• India-Bangladesh-relations