Dhaka: The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma on Sunday to address escalating tensions along the Indo-Bangladesh border. The move followed Dhaka's allegations that India was attempting to construct fences at five locations in violation of a bilateral agreement, reported PTI.

Verma arrived at the foreign ministry around 3 pm local time and held discussions with Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin for approximately 45 minutes, according to the state-run BSS news agency. While the interim government did not release an official statement, officials confirmed the envoy’s summoning.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Verma emphasised the mutual understanding between the two nations on border security. He stated, “Our border enforcement agencies—BSF and BGB (Border Security Force and Border Guard Bangladesh)—have been coordinating, and we expect this cooperative approach to continue to address border-related issues effectively.”

Earlier, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury disclosed that construction of the barbed wire fence had been halted due to strong opposition from the BGB and local communities. He attributed ongoing disputes to unequal agreements signed by the previous government, particularly during Sheikh Hasina's tenure.

Chowdhury highlighted four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) governing border activities. He referenced the 1975 MoU, which prohibits developments with defense potential within 150 yards of the zero line, and another that mandates mutual consent for any construction within this boundary.

He noted that India has fenced 3,271 kilometers of the 4,156-kilometer-long border, leaving around 885 kilometers unfenced. Disputes have arisen over fencing in 160 locations between 2010 and 2023, with recent tensions reported in Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Lalmonirhat, and the Tin Bigha Corridor.

Chowdhury accused the 2010 agreement of complicating the situation, stating that it allowed India to construct fences at Angarpota in violation of the 150-yard rule. He also criticised India for failing to fully implement the 1974 agreement, which had granted them Berubari in exchange for unrestricted access to the Tin Bigha Corridor.

While acknowledging these challenges, Chowdhury reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to addressing the issue through diplomatic engagement, with the foreign ministry actively pursuing solutions.