BSF’s Barbed Wire Fence at Dahgram Border: What Does Border Law Say?

Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has constructed a barbed wire fence at the Dahgram border in violation of regulations. On Friday, January 10, a large number of Indian laborers were employed to erect the fence by the Indian border guards. This has caused heightened tension in the Dahgram border area.

Dahgram Union Parishad members Faridul Islam and Yunus Ali stated that India has constructed the barbed wire fence just three feet away from International Main Pillar 8, with a length of one and a half kilometers.

Reports suggest that according to the law, no country bordering the border can construct fences or structures within 150 yards of the zero line, except for growing crops. However, BSF members tried to erect a structure on the border in violation of international law. Upon learning about this, members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) intervened, forcing the BSF to stop the work. Later, the BSF returned with a larger number of members and continued erecting the fence, using their power to complete the task.

Some misleading reports have been published in the media, which seem to be attempts at provoking anti-India sentiment through unethical journalism. The truth is that no regulations have been violated through the construction of this border fence. According to border guidelines, a single-layer fence (for livestock) is permitted. The issue is being unnecessarily sensationalized, and the media is 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 was to be constructed beyond the current border fencing, but ahead of the International Border (IB), to curb crime and instill a sense of security among local populations.

This decision was made after the bi-annual Director General-level talks between the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), which concluded on October 4, 2016.

news details: India, Bangladesh to erect new single-layer fence on border

BSF Chief KK Sharma had stated, “We have made an important decision to build a single-row fence for villages ahead of the current border fencing. This will help reduce border crimes and smuggling and create a sense of security among the border population. The Bangladesh government and BGB have given us permission to do so.”

Former BGB Sector Commander added, “I have served in both BDR and BGB. I was a Sector Commander. This decision was taken at the government level and was made jointly during the bi-annual Director General-level talks to combat smuggling and protect livestock and crops.”