According to sources in the BSF, the fencing work along the international border in Malda district began in April and continued smoothly for the next three months. “Since November, after the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, assumed power in Bangladesh, the fencing work has been repeatedly halted,” said a BSF officer.

“The fencing work along the India-Bangladesh border in Malda district of West Bengal was initiated in April. Between April and June, the fencing work continued with prior notification to Bangladesh. Between July and October, the work was halted due to the monsoon as several areas got submerged due to flooding. In November, as the fencing work resumed, it faced a setback after BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) raised objections for the first time,” said a BSF officer.

“We resumed fencing activities in December, ensuring that the BGB was duly informed beforehand as per our existing agreement. However, the interim Bangladesh government is now reneging on this agreement, saying they would review it,” the officer added.

The porous India-Bangladesh border, spanning 2,216 km, faces ongoing security challenges. In Malda district, where 27 km of the 172 km border remains unfenced, a recent dispute arose over the installation of barriers on a 1,200-metre stretch at Baishnabnagar village. With 50 per cent of its 2,216 km border with Bangladesh remaining unfenced, West Bengal faces heightened security risks.

“Malda district is particularly vulnerable. Fencing in Malda is crucial for both India and Bangladesh as it will effectively curb cross-border crime, benefiting both nations,” said a senior BSF officer.

Expressing concern over the recent developments, a BSF official said that the recent actions by the neighbouring country indicated a potential deviation from a previously agreed-upon joint fencing plan.

On Sunday, Dhaka alleged that India was attempting to construct fences at five locations along the Indo-Bangla border, violating a bilateral agreement.