In a significant high-level meeting between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Border Security Force (BSF) in New Delhi, two major topics took center stage: border killings and the ongoing fencing of the India-Bangladesh border.
This three-day meeting focused on how both forces could work together to resolve these issues effectively.
On the final day of the talks, Thursday, February 20, BGB`s Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddique addressed a question during a joint press conference, where he explained in detail the discussions about the fencing along the border.
He clarified that a 150-meter stretch along the border has been recognized as `no man`s land.` This area must be respected, meaning no permanent structures can be built within this space.
However, he stated that no objections would be raised if structures were built beyond this 150-meter zone.
He acknowledged that certain problems have arisen in some areas, but both sides agreed to address these issues together.
Ashrafuzzaman Siddique also mentioned that if any questions or objections regarding the fence came up, both forces would jointly visit the concerned areas and make decisions accordingly.
Responding to a question about the possibility of revisiting the 1975 border agreement between Bangladesh and India, he clarified that the issue was not on the table in this meeting, as it was not part of the agenda.
Following the discussions, the BSF issued a statement assuring that both forces will continue to work closely to tackle any challenges along the border.
A question was also raised about the ongoing issue of minority persecution in Bangladesh.
In response, BGB`s Director General dismissed the accusations, calling them exaggerated and largely driven by media reports.
He explained that in areas under BGB’s jurisdiction, especially the 8-kilometer stretch along the border, no negative incidents occurred during the Durga Puja celebrations.
He emphasized that any incidents that did occur were politically motivated, not religiously.
He further assured that BGB had reassured the minority communities of their safety, as many had expressed concerns about their security.
On a positive note, Ashrafuzzaman Siddique highlighted that, since August 5, the number of border infiltration incidents along the entire India-Bangladesh border has significantly decreased.
In line with this, BSF Director General Daljit Singh Choudhury also confirmed during the press conference that the number of infiltration cases into India had dropped significantly since August.
He attributed this success to the heightened vigilance and close cooperation between the two forces.
He praised both the BGB and BSF for their strong partnership and said that the forces regularly hold meetings to maintain communication.
Another key topic discussed at the meeting was the issue of border killings, which the BGB raised with great importance.
Daljit Singh Choudhury responded, acknowledging that while the BSF regularly instructs the BGB to prevent border infiltration, criminal activities still occur in certain stretches of the long border.
He assured that the BSF handles these situations with care and adheres to its policy of not using lethal force.
The BSF’s statement following the meeting highlighted the importance of both forces working together to combat border crime and violence.
It also stressed the need for increased awareness, socio-economic development initiatives, and the quick exchange of information to address situations in a way that avoids any loss of life.
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