A dispute over a border fence has heightened tensions between India and Bangladesh. On Thursday, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) began building the fence to keep animals out. A tense struggle ensued when Bangladeshi border authorities interfered. The BSF said there was no violence, but the controversy has strained relations between the two nations.
This flare-up follows major political turmoil in Bangladesh. A student rebellion overthrew former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, putting her into exile in India. Bangladeshis are now criticizing India, which for 15 years supported Hasina.
Indian boat operators who were trying to stop cattle smuggling had their boats seized by Bangladeshi border guards after they strayed into Bangladeshi waters, which increased tension. Bangladeshi officials rebuffed BSF pleas to release the operators, citing diplomatic and media pressure.
Reports of violence against Bangladesh’s Hindu minority, seen as Hasina supporters, exacerbate matters. These attacks have exacerbated diplomatic tensions between India and its neighbors, according to the Modi government. The controversial fence continues to irritate India-Bangladesh ties.
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