India, Bangladesh border forces hold talks in New Delhi

Major General Aziz Ahmed, psc, G, Director General (DG), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) led a 20 member Bangladesh delegation to India to jointly chair the 39th Border Co-ordination Conference between the Border Security Force (BSF) and BGB from Aug 20 to 25.

The 23 member Indian delegation was led by  D K Pathak, IPS, DG, BSF.

The two delegations comprised of senior officials of Ministries of Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Department of Narcotics Control, Joint Rivers Commission, Department of Land Record & Survey etc of both the countries and the senior officers of BSF and BGB.

Following decisions were taken by both the DGs After detailed discussion on the agendas from both side:-

1.         Reiterating the need for joint efforts to curb violence on the border and the need to bring down the death toll to zero level, both sides agreed to measures like mounting additional vigilance in areas vulnerable to cattle smuggling, increasing Coordinated Patrols (CPs) especially at night to vulnerable areas, deployment of Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs)/Reserves held at different levels and educating border population about sanctity of IB etc.

2.         Highlighting the importance of Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) in curbing the menace of trans border crimes like smuggling of drugs and narcotics including Phensedyl, Fake Currency Notes, Gold and Cattle Smuggling both the DGs agreed for implementation of CBMP in letter and spirit, vulnerability mapping every six months and need for exercising more vigil in maintaining sanctity of IB in these vulnerable areas.

3.         Both sides agreed to continue close cooperation including sharing real time intelligence more effectively in curbing all trans-border crimes. Both sides agreed to share information obtained from the persons apprehended with smuggled weapons.

4.         Appreciating the cooperation extended by BGB against the Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs) based in Bangladesh, DG BSF sought further cooperation from BGB for taking action against IIGs and safe release of Indian nationals abducted by IIGs. DG BGB specifically stated that “Bangladesh does not allow its soil to be used by any entity or element hostile to nay country”.

5.         Both sides agreed to take effective steps for prevention of human trafficking and illegal trans-border movement.

6.         Both sides agreed on several Confidence Building Measures like joint exercises between BSF and BGB for better border management, inter force shooting competition, joint seminar on border management, more joint Retreat Ceremonies, Joint Training of personnel from both border guarding forces.

7.         Both sides agreed to expedite the developmental works.

8.         Regarding the progress on the Felani killing issue, DG BSF assured expeditious and fair trial.