Border Security Force and Border Guard Bangladesh agree to curb transborder crimes

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The BSF (Border Security Force) and the BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) agreed to highlight the importance of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) in curbing the peril of trans-border crimes like drugs smuggling, contraband items, FICN, gold, and narcotics, and pursue and share real-time information and interrogation reports of traffickers. They also assured each other to remain extra vigilant to curb them in order to make the Indo-Bangladesh border crime-free.

The 53rd Director General-level border coordination conference between the BSF and BGB concluded today. The conference began on June 11. The conference took several decisions regarding the maintenance of peace along the border, besides making it crime-free.

During this conference, a momentous decision will be made that will have a profound positive impact on the lives of the population along the Indo-Bangladesh border, enhancing the joint efforts towards progress and prosperity in the region.

Both border guarding forces agree on curbing border crimes effectively through more nighttime simultaneous coordinated patrols (SCP) in vulnerable areas and real-time sharing of information.

BGB Director General AK M Nazmul Hasan led the Bangladesh side, and BSF DG Sujoy Lal Thaosen led the Indian side.

DG BSF appreciated the cooperation of BGB, which paved the way for expediting the construction of a single-row fence and essential elements along the Indo-Bangladesh border. DG BGB assured full cooperation and mentioned that battalions concerned have been instructed to conduct joint verifications for the proposed single-row fence works. Both sides also agreed to hold a meeting of nodal officers within one month to sort out matters related to developmental and infrastructure works.

During this conference, in a momentous decision that will have a profound positive impact on the lives of the population along the Indo-Bangladesh border, a total of five developmental projects were agreed upon, enhancing the joint efforts towards progress and prosperity in the region. This decision is a significant step towards improving the overall quality of life and will serve to foster stronger bilateral trade and relations between the two countries. Furthermore, it highlights the commitment of both Prime Ministers to prioritise developmental works aimed at the welfare of the border population and the fulfilment of their aspirations.

On the issue of violent incidents along the border, and to ensure reducing their number, both sides agreed to work jointly and engage professionally, enhance joint patrolling and vigilance, especially during the late hours of the night and early morning, intensify public awareness programmes, share real-time information, and make all-out efforts to bring these criminals to justice.

Both sides appreciated the efforts taken to strengthen mutual cooperation through various agreed-upon events undertaken as confidence-building measures (CBMs) under the Comprehensive Border Management Plans, quarterly meetings at nodal officers’ level, coordinated joint patrolling, and identification of vulnerable areas. DG BSF also pointed out that the number of sports activities amongst both forces at the border should increase, and both should also explore the possibility of having water sports activities on the riverine border, which was well taken by DG BGB. Both sides agreed to continue with all the bi-lateral engagements like games and sports, joint retreat ceremonies, goodwill visits, training exchange programmes, etc. in the days to come.

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