New Delhi: The Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Saturday have jointly resolved to fight against border smuggling. The BGB has also assured India of sharing real-time information to Indian authorities regarding the presence of Indian insurgents on the Bangladesh soil.
Earlier, the Bangladesh authorities have handed over several top Northeastern militants to India.
After a four-day-long border coordination meeting, Director Generals of the border guarding agencies of India and Bangladesh have also signed a joint record.
Officials said that BSF and BGB agreed to share real-time information expeditiously through formal and informal channels regarding smuggling of drugs and narcotics, human trafficking, Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN), cattle, arms, ammunition, explosive, information related to anti-social elements, activities of IIGs (Indian Insurgent groups).
Smuggling of drugs and FICN have always been a matter of concern for both nations.
During the meeting, BSF DG Rakesh Asthana told his Bangladesh counterpart, Maj Gen Shafeenul Islam, that death or apprehension of criminals on the border is irrespective of nationalities.
“BSF personnel fire with non-lethal weapons only in self-defence when they are surrounded by a large number of miscreants armed with dah, sticks etc., and their lives are endangered,” Asthana said. He assured that the deadly incidents in the border will be reduced significantly in near future.
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Reiterating the need for joint efforts to uphold human rights and curbs violence on the border, both sides agreed to take extra precautionary measures along the border including intensifying public awareness programs, undertaking appropriate socio-economic development programs and real-time information sharing.
Referring to the issue of the crossing of a significant number of mentally challenged Indian nationals to Bangladesh, Asthana suggested that an SOP could be drawn up in mutual consultation to address this humane issue which could expedite the disposal of such cases and alleviate the suffering of such people. Both sides also agreed to look after the humanitarian aspects of the victim first and then verify the nationality of the mentally challenged people and thereafter handing and taking over can be expedited with cooperation from one another.
Both BSF and BGB appreciated the efforts made to improve mutual relations through various Confidence Building Measures (CBMs).
“All the agreed measures undertaken earlier in CBMs will be resumed once COVID-19 pandemic situation becomes normal,” officials said. Ironically, coronavirus pandemic has also left its effect along with the border areas.
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