
Pune, February 4: In response to concerns raised by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sajda Ahmed regarding the fencing of the India-Bangladesh border, Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai informed the Lok Sabha that 864.482 km of the border remains unfenced, including 174.514 km of non-feasible gaps.
“A length of 864.482 km of the India-Bangladesh border is yet to be fenced, which includes a length of 174.514 km of non-feasible gap,” MoS Rai stated in a written reply.
Out of the total 4,096.7 km India-Bangladesh border, 3,232.218 km has been covered with fencing so far, he added.
Challenges in Completing the Fencing
The minister cited multiple challenges in completing the fencing project, including:
Land acquisition issues
Objections from Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB)
Limited working season
Difficult terrain like landslides and marshy land
Despite these hurdles, Rai emphasized that fencing is crucial for border security as it helps curb cross-border crimes, including smuggling, movement of criminals, and trafficking.
India-Bangladesh Diplomatic Engagement
MoS Rai stated that Bangladesh has acknowledged India’s adherence to all border agreements and protocols between the two nations and their respective border security forces—BSF and BGB.
“The Government of India’s expectation that all earlier understandings will be implemented by Bangladesh and there will be a cooperative approach to combating cross-border crimes has also been conveyed to the Government of Bangladesh,” he added.
Bangladesh’s Concern Over Border Fencing
In January, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry expressed “deep concern” over the fencing along the Indo-Bangladesh border. Dhaka summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to register its objections, citing unauthorized attempts to erect barbed wire fencing and related BSF actions as causes of tension.
Despite these diplomatic concerns, India maintains that border fencing is vital for national security and remains committed to addressing cross-border challenges through cooperation with Bangladesh.