Border co-ordination conference between Director Generals of BSF & BGB

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Border guarding forces of India and Bangladesh held Directors General level talks from December 25, 2019, in New Delhi.  Indian delegation was headed by DG BSF Vivek Johri and BD delegation was headed by DG of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Maj Gen Md Shafeenul Islam.

The agenda items for talks related to all issues related to the border including but not limited to smuggling of drugs, gold, fake currency, cattle, action against remnant of Indian Insurgent Groups, construction of fence within 150 yards of IB, developmental works within 150 yards of IB, deaths and injuries to civilians and BSF personnel along the IB, death/injuries to Bangladesh  civilians, human trafficking and illegal immigration.  Discussions were held on each agenda point to make the border guarding more effective despite the difficulties posed by the topography.

After discussion on the Agenda Points, both sides agreed to adhere to the conclusions reached. Highlights of the Joint Record of Discussions signed by both D’sG are:  For injuries or loss of life of BSF personnel on borders while preventing criminal activities, both forces agreed to make all possible efforts to curb the menace of cattle smuggling or any other criminal activity and to ensure tranquility on the borders; For the concerns of BGB for death of Bangladesh Nationals on borders, it was told that non-lethal weapon policy is strictly followed by BSF personnel on border. It was specified that BSF does not discriminate between criminals based on nationality;  For the camps of Indian insurgent groups in Bangladesh, the BGB had informed that Bangladesh does not allow its soil to be used by any entities or elements hostile to any country but agrees to take action against miscreant, if there are any, according to a PIB release.

Both sides agreed to take strong measures for prevention of illegal border crossing and to intensify the simultaneous coordinated patrol in vulnerable areas.  For the concerns of BGB of smuggling of drugs, narcotics, arms etc, both sides reviewed the steps being taken for prevention and agreed for sharing of real time information, if any, including the relevant information of the apprehended criminals.

Both sides expressed their satisfaction over the deliberations at the conference, which was meaningful and cordial, reflecting the friendly bilateral relations between the two countries. Both sides agreed for expeditious implementation of the decisions taken at the conference.