Strong actions against killings, smuggling, and cross-border tensions

Bangladesh and India have pledged to take strong actions to eliminate border killings, enhance security, and improve cooperation on cross-border issues following the 55th Border Conference between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF).

Bangladesh and India have pledged to take strong actions to eliminate border killings, enhance security, and improve cooperation on cross-border issues following the 55th Border Conference between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF).

The four-day conference, held from February 17 to 20 in New Delhi, brought together a 13-member Bangladeshi delegation, led by BGB Director General Maj Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, and an Indian delegation headed by BSF Director General Shri Daljit Singh Chawdhary.

At the conference, the BGB chief expressed deep concern over the killings of Bangladeshi citizens along the border and urged the BSF to take necessary steps to eliminate such incidents. Discussions also included addressing the issue of border river erosion and unannounced water releases from upstream Bangladesh, which cause floods.

Both sides committed to intensifying joint patrols in vulnerable border areas, promptly exchanging intelligence, and implementing awareness campaigns among local communities to reduce border violence. They also agreed to investigate any border killings thoroughly and take appropriate actions.

The two sides agreed that any construction within 150 yards of the border, including fences and bunkers, must undergo prior inspection and approval from a joint verification team. They also focused on resolving stalled development projects in this area through mutual consultation.

In a major focus area, both forces agreed to strengthen cooperation in curbing smuggling, especially of drugs like Phensedyl, Yaba, and cannabis, as well as human trafficking, weapons smuggling, and the circulation of counterfeit currency. Real-time intelligence sharing was also pledged.

To prevent tensions caused by illegal border crossings, both nations agreed to increase surveillance and awareness efforts to curb unauthorized movements. They also discussed enhancing efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks and improving the rescue and rehabilitation of victims.

Additional discussions included plans to establish water treatment plants to address wastewater from border canals and addressing the activities of regional separatist armed groups. Both sides also expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) and agreed to continue working together.

Plans for future cooperation included organizing joint sports events and a ‘Joint Retreat Ceremony’ to further strengthen mutual trust and collaboration.