By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Border guarding forces of India and Bangladesh held Directors General level Coordination Conference w.e.f 17th July 2022 to 21st July 2022 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Indian delegation was headed by Shri Pankaj Kumar Singh, DG BSF and Bangladesh delegation was headed by DG BGB Major General Shakil Ahmed, SPP, nswc, afwc, psc,.
DG level talks between India and Bangladesh are held twice every year – once in India and once in Bangladesh. India and Bangladesh share a civilizational heritage and host of factors that span virtually the entire spectrum of interaction that is possible for neighbors to have. Border Guarding Forces of both the countries have established robust systems through which co-operation in Border Guarding and Border Management is being ensured.
The 52nd Director General level coordination conference focused on curbing trans-border crimes and taking all necessary measures to ensure peace and tranquility along the border, while building upon the mutual trust and harmony among both Border guarding forces and countries.
After thorough discussion on the Agenda Points, both sides appreciated each other’s concerns and committed to settling different border issues amicably through continued, constructive and positive engagements at all levels. They jointly agreed to implement the decision of the conference at the ground level in true spirit. Highlights of the Joint Record of Discussions signed by both D’sG are:-
Both sides agreed to undertake joint efforts to curb trans-border crime by adopting extra precautionary measures such as increasing Coordinated Patrols, enhancing vigilance and sincere commitments. Both sides also agreed to undertake joint efforts to bring down the number of incidents of assault/border crime by intensifying public awareness program, undertaking appropriate socio-economic developmental programs in vulnerable areas, educating border population about the sanctity of IB and preventing criminals/inhabitants from crossing the IB.
Both sides highlighted the importance of Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) in curbing the menace of smuggling contrabands, such as, various narcotics (especially YABA), Firearms, FICN, gold etc, and agreed to remain cautious and steadfast to stop smuggling through sharing of real time information and active anti-smuggling efforts.
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.
Both sides mutually agreed to constructively engage the respective higher authorities for concurrence of the pending developmental work within 150 yards of IB. Both sides also agreed to facilitate river bank protection works along the common bordering rivers as approved by Joint River Commission based on mutual consensus and without unnecessary hindrance. Both sides also agreed to follow the laid down procedure and geographic/demographic realities on ground while erecting Single Row Fence. Both sides agreed to work out a modality of the nodal officer level engagements within the soonest possible time- frame based on the guidelines of respective higher authorities, so that the pending developmental works can move forward.
In regards to trans-border insurgents groups/suspected camps both sides agreed to show zero tolerance towards any such groups/activities and take concurrent action in respective border based on real time information.
Both sides appreciated the efforts taken for strengthening mutual cooperation through various agreed events undertaken as Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), and emphasized to continue with all the activities undertaken in the past as the COVID pandemic situation improves gradually. Maitree Cycle rally, football and volleyball matches between the two border guarding forces, joint retreat ceremonies etc which were held recently should continue and few more such programmes can be conceptualized.
Both sides expressed their satisfaction over the deliberations in the conference, which was meaningful and cordial, reflecting the friendly bilateral relations between the two countries. It has been agreed for expeditious implementation of the decisions taken in the conference. Both side provisionally agreed to hold the next DG level conference in India preferable in the first/second week of November 2022.
