Bangladesh Border Force Downplays Reports of Attacks on Minorities

New Delhi, February 20, 2025: The Chief of Bangladesh's border guarding force, Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, on Thursday dismissed reports of attacks on minorities following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, calling them "exaggerated."

"Such attacks did not happen. In fact, Hindus in Bangladesh celebrated Durga Puja without any issues. The law enforcement agencies have been tasked with ensuring the safety of minorities. The clashes were related to political conflicts," Maj Gen Siddiqui stated.

His comments contrast with a recent report from the UN Human Rights Office, which highlighted widespread attacks against Hindu homes, businesses, and places of worship, particularly in rural areas such as Thakurgaon, Lalmonirhat, and Dinajpur, as well as Sylhet, Khulna, and Rangpur. The report suggested that these incidents were especially prevalent in regions perceived to be sympathetic to the Awami League, as Hindus have often been stereotypically associated with the party.

The statements were made during a high-level meeting in New Delhi between Maj Gen Siddiqui and India's Border Security Force (BSF) Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary. This was the first such meeting between the two forces since the change of government in Bangladesh in August 2024.

Border Fencing Dispute

During the talks, Maj Gen Siddiqui raised concerns about India’s proposed border fencing along the India-Bangladesh border. Bangladesh has objected to the construction of a single-row fence within 150 kilometers of the border pillar at Sabdalpur village in Malda district, West Bengal.

"There should be negotiations before constructing anything within 150 yards from the international border. Any such construction should be properly justified. Mutual consultation is essential," he stated.

In response, BSF DG Chawdhary confirmed that both sides had agreed to conduct joint inspections before proceeding with construction work within 150 yards of the International Border.

Security and Insurgent Activities

The meeting also addressed security concerns, with India urging Bangladesh to take action against Indian insurgent groups operating within its territory.

"The location of camps and movement of armed miscreants inside India was also discussed. Both sides agreed to undertake combined efforts and increase the number of coordinated patrols, especially during late-night and early morning hours in vulnerable areas," an official said.

Both forces agreed to follow a non-lethal policy to ensure border stability. However, BSF DG Chawdhary expressed concerns over attacks on Indian nationals and BSF personnel near the border, particularly during nighttime breaches.

"Some miscreants take advantage of the night cover to breach the fence and enter our territory. While we strictly adhere to the protocol of non-lethal force, we do exercise our right to self-defense when absolutely necessary. We urged BGB to enhance security measures to prevent such incidents," Chawdhary added.

No Discussion on Border Treaty Revisions

Maj Gen Siddiqui confirmed that discussions did not include any revisions to the India-Bangladesh border treaty agreed upon in 1975. "This was not in the purview of this meeting," he clarified.

The two forces concluded the discussions with an agreement to hold the next DG-level conference in Dhaka next year.