Indo-Bangladeshi barrier facts for kids

Bangladesh is enclosed almost entirely by India.

The India-Bangladesh border fence is a very long fence, about 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) in length. India is building this fence to mark and control its international border with Bangladesh. This area used to be called East Bengal, and later, from 1956 to 1971, it was known as East Pakistan. The fence is designed to separate Bangladesh from India along their shared border.

What is the India-Bangladesh Border Fence?

The India-Bangladesh border fence is a large construction project. It aims to create a clear physical barrier between the two countries. The fence is being built to help manage the border. It helps control who crosses the border and for what reasons.

Why Was the Fence Built?

The main reason for building the fence is to improve border security. Governments often build fences to control movement across their borders. This helps prevent illegal activities. It also helps manage people crossing without permission. The fence is a way for India to keep its border safe and organized.

How Long is the Fence?

The fence is incredibly long, stretching for about 4,000 kilometers. To give you an idea, that's almost the distance from New York City to Los Angeles! Building such a long fence takes a lot of time and effort. It covers many different types of land, from plains to rivers.

What Does the Fence Look Like?

The fence is made of wire and other materials. It is designed to be a strong barrier. Along with the fence, there are also border guards. They patrol the area to ensure the border is secure. Sometimes, there are also lights and watchtowers. These help keep an eye on the border, especially at night.

The History of the Border

The border between India and Bangladesh has an interesting history. Before Bangladesh became an independent country in 1971, it was part of Pakistan. This part was called East Pakistan. Before that, it was known as East Bengal. This region was separated from the rest of Bengal when India gained independence in 1947.

From East Bengal to Bangladesh

When India became independent, the large region of Bengal was divided. The eastern part became East Bengal. It was part of Pakistan. This division caused many changes for the people living there. Later, in 1971, East Pakistan fought for its independence. It then became the country of Bangladesh.

Why is the Border Important?

Borders are important because they define where one country ends and another begins. They help countries manage their own land and resources. Borders also play a role in international relations. They affect how countries interact with their neighbors. The India-Bangladesh border is one of the longest land borders in the world.

Images for kids

• 

  Bangladesh Last House, on the Bangladesh–India border at Jointa Hill Resort, Tamabil, Sylhet

• 

  India Bangladesh Border

• 

  India–Bangladesh Friendship Gate between Tamabil (Bangladesh) and Dawki (India) border.

• 

  The border fence close to the Hili Border station in West Bangladesh