India–Bangladesh Border Issues

Abstract

South Asia, the southern region of the Asian continent, comprises the sub-Himalayan countries including adjoining countries on the east and the west. South Asian borders are illogical, arbitrary, ill defined and physically varied. They are at the same time rigid and porous with regard to movement of people and goods. Bangladesh and India share a common border of 4096 km running through five states, namely, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. Managing such a diverse border is a complex task but vital from the point of view of national security. There are 162 enclaves between Bangladesh and India. The enclaves provide an important site for scrutinizing the connections between bordering practices and sovereignty claims. Uncertain borders not only raise bilateral tensions but also facilitate cross-border infiltration, illegal migration, smuggling and crime. Illegal migration has emerged as one of the major national security challenges. In pursuing this notion, it might be useful to consider soft border policies and efficient management of borders to make the movement of goods and people easier and more humane.

Cross Border Security Challenges for Bangladesh

“…Prior research has substantiated that Bangladesh serves as a pivotal transshipment hub for narcotics and arms trafficking between South Asia and Southeast Asia. Studies highlight the strategic exploitation of Bangladesh's geographical position by transnational criminal networks to facilitate the cross-border movement of illicit goods (Mohsin, 2006;Pohit & Taneja, 2003;Rather, 2013). This underscores the multidimensional nature of criminal activities facilitated by transnational criminal organizations.…”

“…This underscores the multidimensional nature of criminal activities facilitated by transnational criminal organizations. The production and trafficking of these illegal commodities contribute to the proliferation of black markets, jeopardizing public safety by fueling organized crime and violence in the region (Mohsin, 2006;Pohit & Taneja, 2003;Rather, 2013).…”