New Delhi: The 57th Director General-level Border Coordination Conference between the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from June 8 to 11. Key agenda items include strengthening border security through enhanced fencing, preventing illegal crossings, and addressing the activities of Indian insurgent groups (IIGs) operating from Bangladeshi territory.
The four-day conference comes amidst concerns over repeated incidents of fence breaches by Bangladeshi nationals and challenges in securing the 4,096-km India-Bangladesh border. According to a BSF spokesperson, senior officials from both nations will review current security arrangements and discuss measures to enhance cooperation in addressing border-related threats.
The Indian delegation will be led by BSF Director General Praveen Kumar, while the Bangladesh delegation will be headed by BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui. The spokesperson noted that incidents of fence breaching would be a focal point of discussion.
Authorities have reported numerous attempts in recent years by individuals to illegally cross the border, often exploiting vulnerable areas and riverine routes. These breaches facilitate not only illegal migration but also smuggling and trans-border criminal activities.
Another significant topic will be the construction of border fencing, as India aims to strengthen its border infrastructure. Current fencing efforts face challenges related to challenging terrain, densely populated areas, and land availability.
The conference will also address pending projects and strategies for improved border management. Additionally, discussions will include measures against IIGs that have sought refuge across the border, with India seeking continued support from Bangladesh in preventing the regrouping of such groups.
Other issues on the agenda include trans-border crimes, attacks on border personnel, confidence-building measures, and enhanced intelligence sharing. An official noted that the meeting aims to contribute to peace, stability, and security along the sensitive India-Bangladesh border.
The India-Bangladesh border coordination framework was established under the Joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines for Border Authorities in 1975, emphasizing regular interactions to address administrative and security concerns. Director General-level meetings began in 1993, becoming a biannual event since then.
Source: www.etvbharat.com via Google News.
