The Bangladesh government is facing complications over whether to cancel or uphold a border fence agreement signed during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. The interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus had earlier decided to revoke the deal, calling it anti-national, but the process stalled after the new administration took office following the 13th national election. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the matter would be reviewed before any action is taken.
Security and geopolitical analysts have labeled the Hasina-era memorandum on border fencing as a violation of international law and a threat to Bangladesh’s sovereignty. They argue that India’s construction of barbed-wire fences along the 4,156-kilometer border, including sections built within the zero line, breaches the 1975 Bangladesh-India Joint Border Guidelines. Indian authorities, however, maintain that the fencing complies with bilateral protocols and is aimed at curbing cross-border crimes.
Experts and former officials have urged the government to disclose and annul any agreements deemed contrary to national interest. The Home Ministry is currently examining the issue, but no visible progress has been reported since the change of government.