Dhaka, Jan 12, (V7N) - India has suspended the construction of a barbed wire fence along its border with Bangladesh, a move aimed at preventing further tensions between the two countries. This decision was made following objections raised by the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) after the Border Security Force (BSF) initiated fencing work at the Baishnabnagar border in West Bengal.
 
The BSF began the fencing construction last Monday, but local authorities and the BGB expressed concern, leading to a rise in tensions between the two forces. Despite halting the construction work on Monday evening, BSF made attempts to continue the project on Tuesday. However, after a flag meeting with the BGB, the work was once again paused.
 
The BSF official from the South Bengal Frontier spoke to The Times of India, stating, "Since the installation of the fence is not immediately necessary, we have decided to temporarily suspend the construction to avoid escalating tensions, conflicts, and misunderstandings. We will resume the work, but there is no fixed date for when this will happen."
 
Reports suggest that during the last two days, the number of BSF personnel has been increased in the area, and a new camp office has been set up near the international border. These measures have been put in place to ensure continuous patrolling and surveillance to maintain control of the border region.
 
BSF has made efforts to reassure both the public and the media, asserting that the situation at the Baishnabnagar border is under control. The official emphasized that the temporary halt in fencing work was only intended to avoid unnecessary conflict and reduce tensions.
 
The ongoing fencing work is part of India's broader initiative to secure its borders, especially in areas where illegal border crossings, smuggling, and other security concerns have been reported. However, there is no denying the sensitivity surrounding border issues, particularly between India and Bangladesh, where such activities have sometimes led to diplomatic friction.
 
The Bangladesh-India border in West Bengal stretches over 2,216 kilometers, with nearly half of the border remaining unfenced. The suspension of the fencing work comes at a critical time as both countries continue to work on resolving border-related issues diplomatically.
 
The Baishnabnagar border has historically seen disputes over fencing and border security, with frequent concerns raised by Bangladesh regarding the potential impact of the fencing on the local population, farmers, and daily cross-border movement.
 
India’s decision to temporarily halt the construction reflects its recognition of the delicate nature of border relations and the need for cooperation between the two neighboring nations. Both sides have expressed a commitment to maintaining peace along the border and finding diplomatic solutions to any concerns that arise.
 
In the wake of these tensions, local authorities have been working to ensure that daily life along the border remains unaffected. Security agencies from both sides have been on high alert, but officials assure that efforts are being made to avoid any conflicts that could affect the regional harmony.
 
END/SMA/AJ/