Study OAS · 04 February 2025

Incomplete Border Fencing with Bangladesh

Extent of Unfenced Border:

India is yet to fence 864.482 km of its 4,096.7 km long border with Bangladesh.
Out of this, 174.51 km is classified as non-feasible for fencing due to terrain constraints.

Land Acquisition Issues: Difficulty in acquiring land in certain areas.
Objections by BGB: The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has raised objections over construction at specific stretches.
Adverse Terrain Conditions: Limited working season along with problems like landslides and marshy land hamper progress.

In locations where fencing is impractical, the Border Security Force (BSF) employs sensors, CCTV cameras, flood lights, and continuous guard deployment to monitor and secure the border.

The issue was raised in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, emphasizing that India adheres to all existing protocols and agreements with Bangladesh.
Disputes regarding the fence along an 865 km stretch were triggered after political developments in Bangladesh, including Sheikh Hasina’s decision to step down following widespread protests last year.
A Director General-level meeting between BSF and BGB is scheduled in New Delhi later this month to address these issues.

Border security remains a critical issue, with ongoing debates in Parliament highlighting the importance of securing international boundaries.
The fencing project is not merely about physical barriers but is also tied to preventing cross-border crimes and ensuring regional stability.

The discussion reflects the complexities in India-Bangladesh relations, where security protocols and mutual agreements are essential for maintaining peace and cooperation.

The challenges such as land acquisition and terrain difficulties are recurring themes in infrastructure projects, making them significant for understanding policy implementation in the context of national security.

The Border Security Force (BSF) is India's primary border guarding force.

What it is: A paramilitary force tasked with guarding India's land borders.
Established: 1965, after the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965, to provide more effective border management.
Role: Primarily responsible for guarding the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders. Also deployed on other borders and in anti-infiltration and counter-insurgency operations.

Border Guarding: Preventing cross-border crimes like smuggling, infiltration, and human trafficking.
Anti-Infiltration: Combating infiltration attempts by terrorists and other anti-national elements.
Counter-Insurgency: Participating in counter-insurgency operations in certain areas.
Border Management: Managing border fences, posts, and other infrastructure.
Intelligence Gathering: Gathering intelligence related to border threats and criminal activities.
Organization: One of the largest border guarding forces in the world. Organized into battalions and sectors.
Headquarters: New Delhi, India.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is the primary border guarding force of Bangladesh.

What it is: The paramilitary force responsible for guarding the borders of Bangladesh.
Formerly Known As: It was previously known as the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR). The name was changed after a mutiny in 2009.
Role: Primarily tasked with guarding the long and porous borders of Bangladesh, including its borders with India and Myanmar.

Border Security: Preventing cross-border crimes like smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal immigration.
Anti-Smuggling: Combating smuggling of goods and drugs across the border.
Border Management: Managing border fences, posts, and surveillance technology.
Counter-Insurgency: May be involved in counter-insurgency operations in border areas.
Protecting National Interests: Safeguarding the territorial integrity and national interests of Bangladesh.
Organization: A significant paramilitary force with a large number of personnel. Organized into battalions and sectors.
Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh.