Dhaka, Jan 12 (V7N) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangladesh has summoned Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka, Pranay Kumar Verma, to express concern over India's construction of a barbed wire fence along the border.

Pranay Kumar Verma was called to the Foreign Secretary's office on Sunday afternoon to address the issue. The move follows a statement from Home Affairs Advisor Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, who confirmed that the matter would be officially communicated to the Indian High Commission through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that no untoward incidents occur.

At a press conference earlier in the day, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury revealed that India had recently initiated the construction of barbed wire fences at five locations along the border. However, the work was halted due to strong opposition from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local residents.

The Home Affairs Advisor also referred to the period from 2010 to 2023, during which he claimed India took certain unilateral actions along the border that Bangladesh deemed unfair. He emphasized that the previous Awami League government had provided an opportunity for dialogue but cautioned that such actions should not continue.

Chowdhury further clarified that while Bangladesh has no objections to India building a barbed wire fence beyond 150 yards of the border, any development within this 150-yard zone must be agreed upon through bilateral discussions. He stressed that unilateral actions on the border will not be accepted by Bangladesh.

END/MSS/AJ