Bangladesh Now Erects Barbed-Wire Fences

Illegal goods making its way to the country through the border is not a new thing. It has been going on for ages. For people living in border areas, it is a common (trade) occurrence. The entry points are often unhindered. In some places, there are no fences at all; they are completely unprotected. Occasionally, BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) operations seize various goods. Anyone looking at that list would be stunned, as it includes sophisticated weapons, rocket launchers, ammunition, kilograms of gold bars, and various types of drugs. It's not just smugglers; recently, "push-ins" from India into the country have also started. Alongside this, Rohingya infiltration continues intermittently. All things considered, the government has decided to bring crime down to zero in the interest of the overall security system. To achieve this goal, a series of measures have been taken, including erecting barbed-wire fences along the border. Among these, 80% of the work on the Myanmar border points parallel to patrol road has been completed. Meanwhile, the initial process for fencing the India border has begun. Previously, the two neighboring countries, India and Myanmar, have erected barbed-wire fences at various points. Work on the remaining sections is also ongoing, according to sources concerned.

Sources from Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) indicate that Border Observation Posts (BOPs) and Tactical Operating Bases (TOBs) have been constructed in remote and sensitive border areas. A 'Smart Border Surveillance System' has been installed along the country's southwestern and northwestern borders to curb smuggling. This system includes drones and thermal imagers. High-risk zones have been identified, and intensified surveillance and night patrols are being conducted vigorously. Additionally, in plain areas, 'Border Community Watch Groups' have been formed with local representatives and dignitaries, so that locals can come forward alongside the BGB in case of any border incident.

On June 17, in the National Parliament, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed had said that initiatives have been taken to install barbed-wire fences along the border between Myanmar and Bangladesh to curb criminal activities. The government is also considering plans to construct similar fences along the India border. Such steps are being taken to protect national interests and to bring all types of crime in the border areas down to "zero level."

Citing that the barbed-wire fence will be installed once the roadwork on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border is completed, Colonel Mohiuddin Ahmed, Commander of the BGB's Ramu Sector, told Agamir Somoy that Bangladesh currently has no barbed-wire fence on the Myanmar border. The roadwork is nearly finished; once the barbed-wire fence is installed, criminal activities in these border areas will decrease. The BGB is following a 'Zero Tolerance' policy to prevent the entry of all types of drugs, including Yaba, Crystal Meth or Ice, Phensedyl, illegal weapons, and ammunition through the border, he added.

Rules for Fencing: Experts say there is no universal international law regarding the construction of structures on borders. Any sovereign state has the freedom to build structures on its own borders to ensure security and control immigration. In some cases, bilateral agreements with neighboring countries are also used to reach a consensus on constructing border structures. However, neither party can build structures with defensive capabilities within 150 yards of the zero line. Furthermore, even for constructing developmental structures, consent from the other party is required.

What Experts Say: Professor Dr. Delwar Hossain, from the Department of International Relations at Dhaka University, expressed concern that there might be diplomatic pressure regarding the barbed-wire fence on the Myanmar border, particularly concerning the Rohingya issue. He told Agamir Somoy: "Fencing one's own border falls within the jurisdiction of the state for security reasons. In that case, neighboring countries have no scope to raise objections. However, international pressure could arise regarding the Rohingya issue."
Dr. Delwar's Further Opinion: Dr. Delwar Hossain added that the incidents of "push-ins" from India into Bangladesh have created a national security issue. Therefore, the decision to erect barbed-wire fences is both logical and moral. While this does not violate international law, it does represent a position contrary to international practices. Consequently, the Home Minister's stance must be navigated carefully, balancing both national and international legal frameworks.

However, Major General (retd.  ) Shahidul Haque, a former military attaché and former ambassador to Myanmar, told Agami Samay that there is no reason for pressure here. If Bangladesh erects barbed-wire fences along its border, many criminal activities will decrease. Myanmar already has barbed-wire fences on its side. Excluding the 150 yards from the zero line, Bangladesh also needs to have barbed-wire fencing. The former ambassador also believes that border fencing is a crucial step for the government.

According to Dr. Touhidul Haque, a professor at Dhaka University and crime expert, barbed-wire fences would help curb smuggling and other illegal activities. The issue of erecting fences at borders due to humanitarian crises, which is often considered a human rights violation under international norms, can also be navigated carefully. At the same time, while border fencing is important for Bangladesh's national security, enhancing surveillance capabilities is even more critical. Above all, barbed-wire fences will not only reduce border-centric crimes but also effectively curb illegal crossings.

Relief Among Border Residents: Residents of border areas have expressed relief at the government's initiative to construct barbed-wire fences. They hope that once the project work begins quickly, the long-standing security crisis will be largely resolved. A notice signed by Khaingchapru Tanchangya, Headman of the 271 Tombru Mouza in Naikhongchhari border area, has called upon landowners adjacent to the border to submit necessary land records and ownership documents. It is believed that after verifying the actual landowners, the fencing work will begin in phases with compensation for acquired land. Alif Imtiaz Noor Nishan, a resident of Ukhia Upazila, said that although the BGB and Coast Guard are working tirelessly in the remote hilly and riverine areas, 100% control has not been possible due to geographical realities. He hopes that if the border fencing is constructed, approximately 95% of border-centric crimes could be reduced.

Mostafizur Rahman Sohag, President of the Tombru Bazar Business Association, stated that people living in border areas have been suffering from insecurity for a long time. The construction of barbed-wire fences would increase border security, reduce illegal infiltration, and bring a sense of relief among the general public.

Drones, Thermal Imagers, and High-Risk Zone Surveillance: According to BGB sources, vulnerable border areas have been identified as high-risk zones to prevent border killings, push-ins, drug trafficking, and smuggling. A 24-hour surveillance system is being maintained over a 5 to 7-kilometer area under each BOP. Permanent and temporary observation posts have been set up in strategic border locations, and night patrols have been intensified. Surveillance has been strengthened using modern technology in the riverine and remote hilly areas along the 4,427-kilometer-long border.

Additionally, thermal imagers, night vision devices, and CC cameras are being used to monitor and prevent infiltration, push-ins, and drug smuggling that often occur under the cover of night and dense fog. Drone surveillance is being utilized in sensitive areas along the zero line and near the fences to thwart illegal infiltration and border crime attempts. Furthermore, 'Border Community Watch Groups' have been formed involving local representatives and dignitaries. Initiatives are also underway to engage border residents through public awareness campaigns and loudspeaker announcements.

Borders with the Two Neighboring Countries: BGB sources report that Bangladesh shares a 4,097-kilometer land border with five Indian states. This includes 2,217 kilometers with West Bengal, 856 kilometers with Tripura, 443 kilometers with Meghalaya, 318 kilometers with Mizoram, and 263 kilometers with Assam. Meanwhile, Bangladesh shares a 271-kilometer land border with Myanmar. Only the two districts of Bandarban and Cox's Bazar border Myanmar. Specifically, the borders of Naikhongchhari, Ruma, Thanchi, Ukhia, Shah Porir Dwip, and Teknaf upazilas are adjacent to Myanmar. The Rakhine State and Chin State of that country (Myanmar) are connected to Bangladesh's border.