India summons Bangladesh envoy day after Dhaka pulls up Indian High Commissioner over border fencing
Live MintIndia on Monday, January 13, summoned Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Nural Islam day after Dhaka summoned the Indian High Commissioner to express its 'deep concern' and express his ‘objections’ over fencing at the border. In a statement titled ‘Construction of fence at the India-Bangladesh border’, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “It was conveyed that with regard to security measures at the border, including on fencing, India observed all protocols and agreements between the two governments and between the Border Security Force and Border Guard Bangladesh.” “India reiterated its commitment to ensuring a crime-free border by effectively addressing the challenges of cross-border criminal activities, smuggling, movement of criminals and trafficking. India conveyed its expectation that all earlier understandings will be implemented by Bangladesh and that there will a cooperative approach to combating cross-border crimes.” The Indian diplomat was summoned after allegations popped up that New Delhi was attempting to construct barbed wire fencing at five specific locations along the Indo-Bangladeshi border. In a statement, Bangladesh Foreign Ministry said Indian diplomat Pranay Verma was called to ambassador Md Jashim Uddin's office over the “recent activities of of the Border Security Force ” along the Indo-Bangladesh border and advised New Delhi against any “provocative actions that could escalate tensions along the shared border.” It said, “Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Ambassador Md Jashim Uddin on Sunday expressed the deep concern of the Government of Bangladesh to the High Commissioner of India Pranay Verma at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the recent activities of the Border Security Force of India along the Bangladesh-India Border.” During the meeting with the Indian high commissioner, the Bangladesh foreign secretary called the fencing at the India-Bangladesh border “unauthorised” and stressed that such activities “have caused tensions and disturbances along the border.” “He emphasised that the construction of barbed wire fences without proper authorization undermines the spirit of cooperation and friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries.