High Commission of India, Dhaka
March 16, 2005
PRESS RELEASE
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The High Commission of India has been concerned to see the highly exaggerated and inaccurate accounts being reported in the Bangladesh media regarding the on-going construction by BSF of a fence along the Bangladesh India border.
2. The Government of Bangladesh is well aware that this fencing work by BSF has been underway since 1989. All activities relating to the building of the fence are being carried out entirely on the Indian side of the border. For the most part the fence is located at or beyond 150 yards from the zero-line. However, in specific areas due mainly to the existence of villages, or as necessitated by terrain conditions, the fence has to be built within 150 yards. The BSF has offered to keep the BDR informed as and when construction of the fence is planned for execution in those stretches falling within 150 yards from the zero-line. The Government of India has formally conveyed to the Government of Bangladesh details of villages, houses and population falling within 150 yards of the zero line.
3. India greatly values its close and friendly relations with Bangladesh . The Government of Bangladesh is well aware of the Government of India's concerns regarding the illegal and criminal activities on the border, including large-scale smuggling, trafficking of women and children, narcotics trafficking, smuggling of arms and explosives, infiltration, illegal migration, etc. The Government of India has on numerous occasions conveyed to the Government of Bangladesh that building a fence will help both countries to better manage our long and highly porous border, thereby contributing to the further strengthening of bilateral relations. This was reiterated most recently during the Home Secretary-level talks held in Dhaka in September 2004.
4. India has also consistently conveyed that the 1975 border guidelines are only guidelines, which relate to the demolition of defensive structures. They do not apply to the building of a fence, which is a physical barrier intended to put a stop to smuggling and other illegal movement across the border. The fence has no defense potential whatsoever. India believes that a misinterpretation of the 1975 Border Guidelines, which were drawn up in a spirit of friendship and understanding to guide the two forces, is stalling legitimate development activity.
5. In this context, it maybe recalled that India did not raise any objection to a request from Bangladesh , made in 1999, to construct a 1320 feet long x 10 feet high masonry wall along the Hilli Railway Station, within only a few feet from the zero line. India 's decision was guided by the spirit of friendship that exists between our two countries and with a view to enable the Bangladeshi authorities to check illegal trans-border movement and to contain criminal activities.
6. However, in carrying out this legitimate activity of building a fence, the BSF has been experiencing resistance from the Bangladesh side. This has led to occasional tensions caused by unprovoked firing by BDR along the border. Government of India has requested the Government of Bangladesh for full cooperation, including the issuance of necessary instructions to the Bangladesh Rifles to avoid any untoward incidents.