Border Fencing Dispute Between India and Bangladesh

Border Fencing Dispute Between India and Bangladesh

Sub : Geo

Sec: Indian Mapping 

Why in News

• In January 2025, tensions escalated between India and Bangladesh over security measures along their shared border, particularly regarding fencing.

India-Bangladesh Border:

• India shares its longest international border with Bangladesh, spanning 4,096.7 km.
• This border passes through five Indian states: Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and West Bengal.
• The BSF manages border security through six frontiers: Assam Frontier, Meghalaya Frontier, Mizoram and Cachar Frontier, Tripura Frontier, North Bengal Frontier and South Bengal Frontier.
• Radcliffe Line (1947): Initially demarcated the boundary between India and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
• Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) 1974 and 2015: Aimed to resolve border disputes and simplify the demarcation process.
• As per the 2023-24 Annual Report of the Ministry of Home Affairs, 78% (3,196.7 km) of the border has been fenced.
• Challenges in fencing: Riverine borders and densely populated settlements near the border.
  • Feni River: Serves as part of the boundary between Tripura (India) and Bangladesh. The 1.9 km Maitri Setu bridge over the Feni River connects Sabroom in Tripura with Ramgarh in Bangladesh, enhancing connectivity.
  • Teesta River: Originates from the Pahunri glacier in Sikkim, India. Flows through West Bengal before entering Bangladesh. A significant transboundary river, it has been central to water-sharing discussions between the two nations.
  • Ichamati River: Flows through West Bengal (India) and Bangladesh. Offshoot of the Mathabhanga River in Bangladesh. Forms part of the India-Bangladesh border before merging with the Bidyadhari River.
  • Padma River: Ganges River in India, renamed Padma upon entering Bangladesh. Flows through Bangladesh, meets Jamuna River (Brahmaputra), and later joins Meghna River before draining into the Bay of Bengal.

Challenges in Border Fencing:

• Large sections of the border consist of riverine areas and chars (silt islands), making fencing difficult.
• Marshy land, flood-prone zones, and thick vegetation pose additional challenges.
• Many villages and farmlands exist within 150 yards of the border, leading to resistance from local populations. Farmers oppose fencing as it restricts access to agricultural land near the border.
• As per the 1975 Joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines for Border Authorities: No permanent or temporary border security forces or armed personnel can be stationed within 150 yards on either side of the border.
• Mutual agreement is required for fencing within 150 yards where the population is settled close to the border.