DELHI鈥橲 border ploys, which have been evident in the murder of Bangladeshis at the hand of India鈥檚 Border Security Force that have continued apace for years, appear to be taking an added dimension. Whilst a series of events of erecting barbed-wire and electric fences along the frontiers began with the direct involvement of Indian border guards in the final days of December 2024, which have already discommoded Bangladesh at a time when it is in a transitional phase after the fall of the Awam League regime, Indian guards have started pushing people into Bangladesh beginning this May. Whilst many of India鈥檚 attempts at fence erection have been foiled, India has pushed in 2,112 people, who included Rohingyas and at least 50 of whom are registered with the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in India and Indians, since May 7. The latest wave of push-in of 40 people took place along border points of Panchagarh, Lalmonirhat and Thakurgaon on August 13. Now, the Indian state of Assam is reported to have decided to provide Indian civilians living near the border with firearm licences.
The move of the Assam government, which Indian newspapers have reported, has raised concern for people living in the Bangladesh territory along the frontiers. The Assam government on May 29 approved the special scheme to provide its citizens living in remote areas bordering Bangladesh and at places in India where the Muslims are the majority inside Bangladesh. Assam鈥檚 chief minister on August 6 said that his government was setting up a portal for indigenous people living in 鈥榮ensitive areas鈥� in India to apply for firearm licences. Security experts in Bangladesh say that Assam鈥檚 move would instigate violence along the border, especially when border killing and push-in have continued. Security experts believe that the Assam government has taken the move to create disturbance for neighbouring Bangladesh and to expose Bangladeshis in bordering areas to threats. They believe that the Khasiyas, given firearms, in India would get into conflicts with Bangladeshis where the presence of Indian border guards and security forces is thin. A former chief of the Bangladesh border force says that the decision of the Assam government would add to death of Bangladeshis in the border and it would create further tension, noting that Indian border guards discuss the issue of providing Indians in bordering areas with firearms with the Bangladesh guards.
The 56th conference between the directors general of border guards of both the countries is set to take place in Dhaka in August 25鈥�28. Dhaka should be bold enough in taking up the whole gamut of issues with Delhi on the occasion and outside the event.
