The 54th India-Bangladesh Director General-level border coordination conference held in Dhaka from March 5-9 discussed issues such as curbing trans-border crimes, human trafficking, and enhanced joint-patrolling. The Indian delegation was led by Nitin Agrawal from BSF, and the Bangladesh side was headed by Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman from BGB.
During the conference, both sides appreciated each other’s concerns and committed to settling border issues amicably through continued engagements. They agreed to implement decisions at the ground level and increase coordinated patrols to prevent assaults on BSF personnel by trans-border miscreants.
Both sides emphasized the need for synergistic efforts to uphold human rights and curb violence on the border. Measures included enhancing joint patrolling, intensifying public awareness programs, sharing real-time information, and undertaking socio-economic development initiatives to reduce incidents at the border.
The importance of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) was highlighted to combat trans-border crimes, human trafficking, and illegal crossing. Both sides agreed to pursue and share real-time information and aid victims of human trafficking while undertaking six developmental works on each side.
BSF agreed to a proposal by BGB for constructing a memorial for martyred freedom fighters as a goodwill gesture. The two sides provisionally agreed to hold the next DG-level conference in New Delhi in September or October 2024, aiming to maintain peace and tranquility at the border.
The last BSF-BGB conference was held at BSF Camp Chhawala in Delhi from June 11-14, 2023. The cooperation between India and Bangladesh in addressing border issues reflects their commitment to maintaining security and promoting mutual understanding between the two countries.
