Reports Of Attacks On Hindus In Bangladesh ‘Exaggerated’, Says BGB As BSF Seeks Peace In DG-Level Talks

Last Updated:February 20, 2025, 15:29 IST

On the issue of border fencing too, Bangladesh raised its objections. While India is committed to fencing the border with Bangladesh, BGB said better coordination is required before proceeding

Officials during 55th Border Security Force - Border Guard Bangladesh (BSF-BGB) Director General Level Border Coordination Conference in New Delhi. (PTI)

The 55th Director General Level Border Co-ordination Conference between the Border Security Force (BSF) of India and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) concluded in Delhi on Thursday, with lack of agreement between the two sides on the issue of Indian nationals being attacked in the neighbouring country, with BGB rejecting the charge.

BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chaudhary said during the talks, BGB was urged to ensure that such incidents do not happen. “We took up the point of attack on Indian nationals and BSF personnel on the Border by BGB. At times, taking advantage of the night cover, some miscreants try to breach the fence and enter our territory. Though we very strictly adhere to protocol of not using unnecessary lethal force but, in self-defence, as the last resort, we exercise that power with full restraint. During this meeting, we urged BGB to ensure the border remains secure so that such incidents do not happen," the DG told the media in a joint press conference.

His BGB counterpart Maj General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, however, said no such attack had taken place. “BGB has never attacked any BSF personnel or Indian national," Siddiqui said.

Minority Attack Reports Exaggerated

DG BGB also dismissed concerns about attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, saying that contrary to reports, the force has extended support to border villages to celebrate Durga Puja. He said reports in Indian media about attacks on Hindu minorities are exaggerated.

When asked if the issue of minority attacks came up during the talks, Siddiqui said: “The attacks on minorities in recent past are an exaggeration in the media. Such attacks on minorities did not happen. The substantiation was peacefully arranged during Durga Puja where law-enforcement agencies in Bangladesh were strictly tasked with ensuring Hindus celebrate the festival with lots of joy."

He added: “An eight-kilometre radius is under BGB and we personally ensured that pandals were secure. Some political problems may have happened but definitely not an attack on minorities."

Siddiqui also slammed Indian politicians for speaking on the issue, blaming the media for misleading politicians and public. When asked about comments made by politicians in West Bengal about Bangladeshi Hindus facing persecution, Siddiqui said they were misled by media reports.

Border Fencing

On the issue of border fencing too, Bangladesh raised its objections. While India is committed to fencing the border with Bangladesh, BGB said better coordination is required before proceeding.

“How far back from the zero line the fence should be has always been part of the discussion. We have requested joint inspection at these locations," the DG BGB said. He said while development-related work can happen after due communication between two sides, fencing is a tricky issue because of the topography of the area.

“The nature of our border is such that same families have houses on both sides… roads run on both sides and we can’t change it…but 150 yards on both sides is considered zero line …no construction is allowed here without the consent of the other side but some negotiations happen. We have raised some objections about this kind of area where fencing has been proposed," he said.

DG BGB also denied the BSF’s statement that permanent construction has happened in this zone with the former’s support. “Permanent construction within 150 yards of IB is not factually correct. Some development work is happening on both sides. Due to some communication gap, sometimes an objection is raised and is resolved mutually," Siddiqui said.

Construction of border infrastructure, single row fence, and joint efforts for effective implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) were also raised by India.

(With inputs from Kamalika Sengupta)

News india Reports Of Attacks On Hindus In Bangladesh ‘Exaggerated’, Says BGB As BSF Seeks Peace In DG-Level Talks