What Happened?
In the first week of February 2025, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were stopped by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) from carrying out what was deemed an ‘illegal’ construction of a bunker near the international border in the Dahagram Angarpota area, along the North Bengal frontier. Just a month earlier, in January 2025, BSF faced opposition from BGB for erecting barbed wire fencing along the borders. Reports have also emerged of farmers from both sides clashing at the border near Malda, West Bengal, further straining border relations.
These incidents have escalated beyond local skirmishes, turning into active diplomatic disputes between India and Bangladesh. For instance, on January 12, 2025, the Indian High Commissioner was summoned by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs over what Dhaka termed an “unauthorized attempt to construct barbed wire fencing” by the BSF. The following day, India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded by summoning Bangladesh’s top envoy to protest formally. India stated its expectation that previous agreements would be upheld and emphasized the need for a cooperative approach in combating cross-border crimes. India also stared that BSF observed all protocols and agreements between India and Bangladesh while making this barbed wire fence along the border.
Why it matters to India
As of February 5, 2025, six months have passed since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government in Bangladesh. This shift in leadership has led to noticeable changes in border dynamics between the two countries, requiring closer examination of recent developments along their shared boundary. Since August 2024, the Bangladeshi interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has hinted at plans to review all past ‘uneven’ agreements related to the India-Bangladesh border in the interest of Bangladesh’s sovereignty. This move has been largely attributed to the rise of anti-Indian sentiments in Bangladesh, where many believe India has not treated their country fairly in past negotiations.
The Yunus administration has also demanded the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, while the Indian government remains focused on ensuring the protection of minorities in Bangladesh. These competing priorities have further complicated bilateral relations.
