Barbed Wire Fencing by BSF at Dahagram Border: What Does Border Law Say?

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has constructed barbed wire fencing in violation of regulations at the Dahagram border in Patgram Upazila of Lalmonirhat. On Friday (January 10), a significant number of Indian workers erected the fence under the supervision of BSF personnel, causing tension to escalate in the Dahagram border area.

Faridul Islam and Yunus Ali, members of the Dahagram Union Parishad, stated that India built the barbed wire fence three feet away from the international main pillar 8, stretching for a length of one and a half kilometers.

Newspapers report that, according to legal provisions, no country may construct fences or structures within 150 yards of the border's zero line, except for agricultural cultivation. However, BSF personnel, defying international law, attempted to erect the structure. Upon learning of the situation, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) intervened to stop them. Initially, the BSF retreated without completing the work. Nonetheless, shortly afterward, they returned with reinforcements and forcefully completed the barbed wire fence construction.

Certain newspapers have published misleading reports that seemingly aim to provoke anti-India sentiments through dishonest journalism. The truth is, there was no violation of regulations in constructing this border fence. According to border guidelines, a single-layer fence for cattle control is permitted. The issue is being unnecessarily sensationalized, spreading confusion among the public.

How Did the Single-Line Fence Come About?

In 2016, BSF and BGB decided to build a new fence to secure more than 250 villages along the India-Bangladesh border. This fence, located beyond the existing border fencing and closer to the international boundary (IB), aimed to curb criminal activities and instill a sense of security among local residents.

This decision was finalized during the biannual Director General-level meeting between the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on October 4, 2016. BSF Director General K.K. Sharma announced, “We have made a crucial decision to construct a single-layer cattle fencing for villages located in front of the current border fence. This will help reduce border crimes and smuggling while enhancing the security perception among border residents. The Government of Bangladesh and BGB have granted us permission for this work.”

A former sector commander of Border Guard Bangladesh confirmed, “Having served both in BDR and BGB, I was a sector commander during this period. This decision was made at the governmental level, with joint consent, to combat smuggling and protect cattle and crops. It was part of the discussions during the biannual Director General-level meeting.”