Border Security Force (BSF) delegation consisted of 09 members from India led by DG BSF Shri Nitin Agrawal, IPS visited Bangladesh to attend the 54Th DG Level Border Conference between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Border Security Force (BSF) from 05th to 09th March 2024 at Dhaka, Bangladesh.
BGB delegation comprising of 16 members including members from Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Joint River Commission was led by DG BGB Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, OSP, BSP, SUP, ndc, psc, MPhil.
2. DG BGB extended a warm and hearty welcome to the Indian delegation and expressed his profound satisfaction over the excellent cooperation and friendly relations between the two border guarding forces and also expressed his commitment to foster this relation to further height. DG BGB urged upon DG BSF to adopt necessary measures to reduce the border killing to zero considering the sound bilateral relation existing between Bangladesh and India. Beside this cardinal concern, DG BGB also expressed his optimism to curb various types of trans-border crimes like smuggling, human trafficking, inadvertent border crossing and any kind of terrorist activities, as well as time bound concurrence in regards to development works including River bank protection works, increase of border haats and completion of stalled ICP/LCP related projects etc. DG BSF thanked DG BGB for the warm welcome and generous hospitality shown to him and other members of the Indian delegation. He expressed his sincere condolences for the sorrowful demise of Sepoy Md Roisuddin in the unfortunate incident on the 22 January 2024. He conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to BGB for prompt and compassionate response on the recent flash flood incident in Sikkim in returning the bodies of the deceased Indian soldiers. Expressing satisfaction over the coordinated efforts of BSF and BGB in maintaining peace and tranquility along the border, Both stressed the need for effective implementation of Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP).
3. The summary of the discussion based on the agenda points during the conference are appended below:
a. Upholding the spirit of the joint statement made by the Honorable Prime Ministers of both the countries in 2022, Both sides agreed to bring down the killing/injuring unarmed Bangladeshi nationals to zero by enhancing joint patrolling, vigilance, intensifying public awareness program, undertaking appropriate socio-economic development programs, educating border population about the sanctity of IB and preventing criminals/inhabitants from crossing the IB and sharing of real time information.
b. Highlighting the importance of Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) in curbing the menace of smuggling various types of drugs and narcotics, Fire Arms, Ammunitions, Explosives, gold, FICN, and other contraband items, both sides agreed to remain cautious and steadfast to stop smuggling through sharing of real time information, investigation reports of traffickers and remaining extra vigilant to curb such crimes.
c. Both sides agreed to take effective steps to continue to sensitize the border populace to refrain from Violation of IB/Illegal crossing/Intrusion, smuggling, human trafficking, uprooting Border Pillars and other trans-border crimes. As a whole, both sides assured to maintain the desired sanctity of the border.
d. Development works including river bank protection within 150 yards of IB on both sides will be facilitated for the socio-economic development of the bordering people. Concurrence of Single Row Fence will be expedited if it is within approved design. For any new design, it has to be approved by higher authority specially by MOHA.
e. Both sides agreed to expedite road connectivity by establishing more ICP, LCP,LCS and increasing numbers of Border Hats in future.
f. DG BGB requested DG BSF to pursue with the appropriate authorities of India regarding the laying of the Optical Fiber network to connect Dahagram through Tin Bigha corridor Under the project ‘Connected Bangladesh’. DG BSF assured to pursue the matter.
g. Both the delegation leaders reiterate their existing ‘zero tolerance’ stance on trans-border insurgent groups and agreed to take all necessary steps to prevent trans-border movements by real time information.
h. With a view to reducing the impact of contaminated water coming through four canals in Akhaura area, both sides have agreed to conduct joint survey and take necessary actions to prevent health hazards of the locals.
i. DG BGB urged upon DG BSF to immediately re-open remaining portion of Rahimpur Khal on humanitarian ground. DG BSF in his reply assured of an expeditious execution in re-opening Rahimpur Khal to meet the interest of both sides.
4. Both the sides appreciated the efforts taken for strengthening mutual cooperation through various agreed-upon events under CBMP. Both sides agreed to continue with all the bilateral engagements like Quarterly meeting at Nodal Officers’ Level, coordinated joint patrolling, games and sports, joint retreat ceremonies, goodwill visits, training exchange programs, visits of the school going children, journalists etc. in the days to come.
5. Both the DGs expressed their satisfaction over the outcome of the conference. Both of them reiterated their commitments to work jointly for maintaining peace and tranquility at the border.