Border | India’s BSF v/s Bangladeshi Attackers
India-Bangladesh Border Dispute: Rising Challenges and Security Concerns
India’s Longest International Border
India shares its longest international border with Bangladesh, spanning approximately 4,096 kilometers. The Border Security Force (BSF) guards the Indian side, while the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is responsible for security on the Bangladeshi side.
In recent years, incidents of smuggling, illegal infiltration, and violent clashes along this border have increased. A recent incident at the Kasba border in Tripura has heightened security concerns.
Attack on BSF in Tripura
BSF personnel were patrolling the border when they were suddenly attacked by 15-20 Bangladeshi smugglers. In retaliation, the BSF responded with force, resulting in the death of one Bangladeshi smuggler, while a BSF soldier sustained injuries. Reports indicate that the BSF also arrested 13-14 smugglers during the encounter.
Following this incident, Major General Mohammad Ashraf Uzzaman, the chief of Bangladesh’s border guards, indirectly warned India, stating that if such incidents continue, Indian nationals may also face difficulties at the border.
Bangladeshi Media’s Misinformation
The Bangladeshi media distorted the entire incident, portraying it as an unprovoked attack by BSF on an innocent Bangladeshi civilian who was simply wandering near the border. This false narrative has led to growing anti-India sentiments among Bangladeshi citizens.
India’s Border Security Strategy
One of the major reasons behind the increasing infiltration and smuggling cases is that around 800 kilometers of the India-Bangladesh border still lacks proper fencing. India must accelerate efforts to fully secure this border to prevent such incidents.
Anti-India Narrative in Bangladesh
Anti-India sentiments are not just being spread by Bangladeshi media but are also being embedded into the country’s education system. Recent reports suggest that India’s role in Bangladesh’s liberation during the 1971 war is being systematically erased from Bangladeshi textbooks. Even pictures of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, have been removed from textbooks.
Additionally, a false narrative is being promoted that Bhutan, not India, was the first country to recognize Bangladesh as an independent nation. This is despite the well-documented historical fact that India played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s liberation and was the first country to recognize its independence.
Growing Military Ties Between Bangladesh and Pakistan
Reports suggest that Bangladesh is increasing its military cooperation with Pakistan and China. There is speculation that Bangladesh may procure military equipment on a large scale from China and Pakistan, which could pose a strategic challenge for India in the future.
The Way Forward for India
Given these developments, India must:
- Strengthen border security by completing fencing along the India-Bangladesh border.
- Counter misinformation spread by Bangladeshi media through diplomatic channels.
- Monitor geopolitical developments related to Bangladesh’s growing ties with China and Pakistan.
In the coming years, the India-Bangladesh border could emerge as a major security challenge for the BSF. It is crucial for India to remain proactive and take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests.