Bangladesh Faces Criticism Over Secrecy of BGB Chief’s India Visit

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Dhaka, Jan 25 (IANS) The interim government in Bangladesh, led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, already under international scrutiny for its treatment of minorities, particularly Hindus, is now facing criticism over the secrecy surrounding the visit of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Director General Major General Mohammad Ashraful Islam Siddique to India next month. Media outlets in Bangladesh have criticized the government for withholding details about Siddique’s upcoming trip to New Delhi for a border conference between the BGB and the Border Security Force (BSF), scheduled for mid-February.

In response to local media reports highlighting the secrecy surrounding the visit, the BGB issued a statement claiming there was “no secrecy” involved and that no attempt was made to conceal the details. The statement clarified that the news reports alleging secrecy were damaging to the BGB’s image and creating unnecessary confusion among the public.

The BGB emphasized that representatives from various other relevant ministries and agencies in Bangladesh would also participate in the meeting alongside the BGB leadership.

The border conference, set for February 17-21, will take place amid rising tensions along the Indo-Bangladesh border, particularly following the recent clashes at Sukhdevpur in West Bengal’s Malda district. Indian villagers have complained of armed criminal activities from across the border, including crop theft and destruction by Bangladeshi intruders.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Command of the BSF has launched ‘Ops Alert’ along the 4,096 km-long Indo-Bangladesh border ahead of India’s Republic Day celebrations. Security measures, including intensified patrolling and border domination, are being implemented both during the day and night.

In light of the evolving situation in Bangladesh, the BSF has heightened its vigilance to prevent any untoward incidents. The BSF’s Special Director General in Kolkata noted that the ‘Ops Alert’ was initiated to ensure a secure border in the lead-up to India’s 76th Republic Day.

On January 13, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Bangladesh’s Acting High Commissioner, Nural Islam, to the South Block and conveyed concerns over the border security protocols between the two countries. India urged Bangladesh to adhere to prior agreements concerning border security measures, including fencing, and to cooperate in addressing cross-border crimes.

India also reiterated its commitment to maintaining a secure and crime-free border, emphasizing measures such as barbed wire fencing, border lighting, installation of technical devices, and cattle fences to combat smuggling, criminal activities, and trafficking along the Indo-Bangladesh border.


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