Regular protests lodged with India over border disputes: FM

Bangladesh regularly lodges diplomatic protests with India over any incident that may create security risks or instability along the border, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said today (27 August).

Responding to a supplementary question from Moulvibazar-2 lawmaker Md Shawkatul Islam during the third session of the parliament, the minister said the government’s stance on this issue is clear and firm.

The session was chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.

“Any kind of provocation, dispute, or instability at the border is directly related to Bangladesh’s sovereignty, national interest, and the safety and dignity of the border people,” he added.

He noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is strongly conveying every issue to India that could create a security risk or instability at the border. 

In particular, continuous diplomatic protests are being lodged against the killings of Bangladeshi citizens at the border and incidents of illegal push-in from India.

Khalilur Rahman mentioned that director general-level talks between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Border Security Force (BSF) of India are held twice a year to discuss border-related issues. The latest BGB-BSF DG-level border conference took place in New Delhi from 8 to 11 June.

He further said that whenever an incident occurs that may increase security risks or create instability at the border, it is raised during various diplomatic meetings, and regular protests are lodged with the Indian government through diplomatic notes.

At the local level, the BGB holds regular meetings with the BSF and sends protest letters if necessary, he added.

The foreign minister said the government is determined to protect Bangladesh’s interests, security, and sovereignty at the border.

“Bangladesh wants peaceful and cooperative relations with its neighbours. However, such relations must be based on mutual respect, reverence for sovereignty, and Bangladesh’s national interests,” he concluded.