‘Not Afraid of Barbed Wire’: Bengal’s Border Fencing Decision Triggers Strong Reaction From Bangladesh

West Bengal: A new government was formed in West Bengal and on the very first day, Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari announced a major decision. He said that the work of fencing the India-Bangladesh border will not stop any longer. On hearing this news, a strong reply came from Bangladesh and it was said that it is not afraid of any barbed wire.

What decision did the government take in the first cabinet meeting?

Shuvendu Adhikari made it clear in his very first cabinet meeting that BSF will be given land for fencing. The government said that this land will be handed over to the Home Ministry within the next 45 days. The work which was stuck for years will now be completed at any cost. During the previous government this work was repeatedly postponed but this will not happen now.

What did Bangladesh say on this?

Bangladesh's Foreign Advisor Humayun Kabir said that if India wants good relations between the two countries, then it will have to adopt a humane approach in the border matter. He clearly said that Bangladesh will neither be afraid nor bow down due to fencing. If necessary, he will present his views with full force. He also said that giving big speeches in elections and actually running the government are two completely different things.

Why is this matter so sensitive?

There is about 2216 km long border between West Bengal and Bangladesh. Even today many parts of it are not fenced. This issue has always been hot due to infiltration and smuggling. Calcutta High Court has also shown a strict stance in this matter. The court has repeatedly asked the state government to hand over the land for fencing to BSF as soon as possible and has also expressed displeasure over the delay.

What steps did Bangladesh take on its border?

Bangladesh has put its border security agency BGB on full alert. Officials there say that whatever situation may arise on the border, complete preparations have been made to deal with it.

What did Shuvendu accuse the previous government of?

Shuvendu Adhikari said without hesitation that border security is a matter of national interest and there will be no politics in it. He directly alleged that the previous government deliberately stopped this work due to vote bank politics. Now this work can be done by anyone