The Bangladesh-India border has always been a hot spot for clashes, with human rights and security at constant conflict. Border killings are a terrible reality of this relationship, leaving relatives in grief and communities in dread. Border killings are a phenomenon that is difficult to explain, despite taking a variety of analytical approaches.
We must first scrutinize the social, political and economic factors behind these acts. To prevent illegal activities, security measures are escalated which leads to a volatile situation. Unfortunately, military engagement in these areas often results in tragic incidents involving the civilian population.
Decades of migration issues have created an atmosphere of mistrust on both sides. The 2011 Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) between Bangladesh and India addressed border disputes and undocumented populations, but ongoing border killings raise questions about their effectiveness.
Death toll from 2000-2023 according to Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK):
Over 1,200 Bangladeshis killed by BSF between 2000 and 2023, with nearly 1,000 deaths from 2010 to 2020
In the early 2000s, the annual death toll was high, with 2005 being one of the deadliest years, with up to 100 civilians killed in one year
In 2011, the Indian government announced the use of non-lethal weapons in the BSF, leading to a significant decrease in deaths, with 31 reported in 2011
At least 25 people were killed along the border by BSF in 2016
In 2020, 51 Bangladeshis were killed by BSF, one of the deadliest years in recent times
The border disputes are not something which is only related to Bangladesh and India. A similar conflict can be found in many locations in the world. Stopping violence along this sensitive border requires collaboration and partnership at the international level.
Countries must embrace democracy and dialogue as opposed to military power for a better interpretation of each other’s intentions to enhance the main goal of peacekeeping.
The problem of killings at the border requires new long–term approaches towards migration. Bangladesh and India can work together to develop strategies to mitigate conflicts. In the end, every life matters, so a more humane approach should be taken at borders.
The US and Mexico, by way of immigration laws and enforcement strategies, rather than promoting conflict and aggression and seeking to resolve borders through military means, have succeeded in some areas through cooperation, dialogue and more recently through establishment of joint task forces responding humanely.
The main reason of border conflict between Bangladesh and India:
Cattle smuggling: Huge economic repercussions are also observed to be one of the main causes such as the cross border cattle smuggling from India to Bangladesh. Bangladesh has a high demand of cattle especially during festivals.
Cross-border trafficking and illegal immigration: In border areas there are common scenarios of human trafficking and people who illegally try to cross the border. India is concerned about the influx of migrants from Bangladesh, while Bangladesh objects to the harsh enforcement measures taken by Indian forces.
Lack of proper demarcation: At some sections the border is ambiguous especially in the areas of enclaves or disputed territories, which results in confusion and increases the level of hostility.
Excessive use of force: According to official statements and guidelines the use of lethal force is prohibited, but the BSF continue using live ammunition which results in deaths of Bangladeshi civilians.
International treaties stress on legal responsibility in the case of human rights violation. Human rights conventions highlight the importance of protecting civilian lives. The problem that arises is how to implement these laws across the borders when political will is likely to fail.
As Dhaka and New Delhi work through their bilateral challenges and strive to reduce border killings, it could be helpful to explore different approaches that prioritize humanitarian concerns along with strategic needs in conflict-prone areas.
It is also vital to let diplomacy prevail as it plays a significant role in preventing loss of life and at the same time strengthening relations between the two nations.
Diplomacy needs to set the foundation towards the sustainable management of cross-border movement. It is time to focus on human rights within the frameworks of both countries to build peace at the borders.
TM Mahim Ishrak is a barrister.
