Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 12: India and Bangladesh held extensive discussions on border security issues, including border deaths, illegal crossings and cross-border crimes, during the four-day Director General-level talks between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) that concluded in New Delhi on June 11.
The 57th edition of the biannual DG-level border coordination conference was held at the BSF headquarters from June 8 to 11. The Indian delegation was led by BSF Director General Praveen Kumar, while the Bangladesh delegation was headed by BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui.
According to a BSF statement issued on Friday, both sides reviewed measures to curb cross-border crimes such as smuggling of narcotics, arms, counterfeit currency, gold and other contraband, besides addressing issues related to human trafficking and illegal border crossings.
The delegations also discussed border deaths, inadvertent and forcible crossings, construction of border infrastructure, implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan and confidence-building measures aimed at strengthening cooperation along the international boundary.
The talks assumed significance as they were the first DG-level discussions following political changes in both countries, including the formation of a new BNP-led government in Bangladesh and a new BJP government in West Bengal.
India and Bangladesh share a 4,096-km-long international border, of which more than 2,200 km falls within West Bengal.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, stability and tranquillity along the border and agreed to enhance coordinated patrolling, strengthen surveillance mechanisms, improve real-time information sharing and intensify efforts against cross-border criminal networks.
The BSF said the discussions were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, reflecting the mutual trust and longstanding cooperation between the two border guarding forces.
The delegations also emphasised the need to create greater awareness among border residents about the sanctity of the international boundary and the importance of preventing illegal activities in border areas.
Both countries expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the conference and reiterated their commitment to further strengthening professional engagement and cooperation for secure and peaceful borders.
The next round of DG-level talks is scheduled to be held in Dhaka in November, when the Indian delegation will visit Bangladesh.