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The government has undertaken an initiative to construct a barbed wire fence to enhance security along the Myanmar border. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that plans to build barbed wire fences in sensitive areas of the Indian border are also under consideration.
He revealed this information during the question-and-answer session of the Jatiya Sangsad on Wednesday (June 17). Responding to questions from Sylhet-3 constituency MP Mohammad Abdul Malek and Pabna-5 constituency MP Shamshur Rahman Shimul Bishwas, the Home Minister said that this initiative has been taken to curb cross-border crimes such as murder, illegal infiltration, drug and arms smuggling along the Myanmar border.
The Home Minister informed that out of 2,369 individuals pushed in by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) since August 5, 2024, 11 were handed over to the BSF, and 183 were pushed back. The remaining individuals were handed over to the respective police stations. He added that the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) successfully prevented 36 push-in attempts by the BSF after the West Bengal assembly elections.
In response to a question from Reserved Seat MP Nilofar Chowdhury Moni, Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the deaths of Bangladeshi citizens due to BSF firing at the border are deeply regrettable and a clear violation of human rights. Strong protests regarding this issue have been lodged by Bangladesh at the Director General-level meetings between BGB and BSF.
He further mentioned that there is no formal agreement for the Indian government to provide direct financial assistance to the families of Bangladeshis killed at the border. However, Bangladesh’s stance against the use of lethal weapons has been highlighted in bilateral meetings, and emphasis has also been placed on compensation and accountability.