BOTH BORDER GUARDING FORCES EMPHASIZE ON EXPEDITING AND GIVING MORE MOMENTUM TO DEVELOPMENTAL AND INFRASTRUCTURE ACTIVITIES THAT WILL BOOST THE TRADE AND BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN BOTH THE FRIENDLY NATIONS*
*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 5 DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS WERE AGREED UPON, ENHANCING THE JOINT EFFORTS TOWARDS PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY IN THE REGION*
*BOTH BORDER GUARDING FORCES AGREE UPON CURBING OF BORDER CRIMES EFFECTIVELY THROUGH MORE NIGHT SIMULTANEOUS CO-ORDINATED PATROLS (SCP) IN VULNERABLE AREAS AND REAL TIME SHARING OF INFORMATION*
His Excellency Maj Gen A K M Nazmul Hasan, BAM, ndc, psc, Director General, Border Guard Bangladesh (DG BGB) led the Bangladesh delegation to India, to attend the 53rd Border Co-ordination Conference between the Border Security Force, India and Border Guard Bangladesh held at BSF Chhawla Camp, New Delhi from 11th June to 14th June 2023 .
2. The Indian delegation was led by Dr. Sujoy Lal Thaosen, IPS, Director General, Border Security Force (DG BSF).
3. After detailed discussions on the Agenda Points, both sides agreed to adhere to the conclusions reached. Highlights of the Joint Record of Discussions are:-
a. *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 5 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 Hon’ble Prime Ministers to prioritize developmental works aimed at the welfare of the border population and the fulfillment of their aspirations.*
b. DG BSF appreciated the cooperation of BGB which paved the way for expediting the construction of Single Row Fence and essential elements along the Indo-Bangladesh border. DG BGB assured full cooperation and mentioned that concerned battalions have been instructed to conduct joint verifications for the proposed single row fence works. Both sides also agreed for a meeting of Nodal Officers within one month time for sorting out the matters related to developmental and infrastructure works.
c. Highlighting the importance of Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) in curbing the peril of trans-border crimes like drugs smuggling, contraband items, FICN/Gold/Narcotics, both sides agreed to pursue and share real-time information and interrogation reports of traffickers (if any) and assured to remain extra vigilant to curb them in order to make the Indo-Bangladesh border crime free.
d. 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, vigilance especially during late hours of the nights to early morning, intensifying public awareness programmes, sharing of real-time information and making all out efforts to bring these criminals to justice.
4. *Both sides appreciated the efforts taken for strengthening mutual cooperation through various agreed events undertaken as Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) under the Comprehensive Border Management Plans, Quarterly meeting at Nodal Officers’ Level, coordinated joint patrolling, and identification of the vulnerable areas. DG BSF also pointed out that the number of sports activities amongst the both forces at the border should increase and both should also explore the possibility of having water sports activities in 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. The exchange visits by the media houses were also duly appreciated by DG BSF as proposed by DG BGB.*
5. Both DGs expressed their satisfaction over the outcome of the conference. Both the delegation leaders reiterated their commitments to work jointly for maintaining peace and tranquility at the border. Both sides provisionally agreed to hold the next DG level conference in Bangladesh.
