BGB, BSF agree to strengthen border cooperation at DG-level talks

Bangladesh and India have agreed to enhance cooperation on border management, intelligence sharing, and transnational crime prevention following high-level talks between the border forces of the two countries.

According to a joint press statement issued after the Director General-Level Talks (DGLT) between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India's Border Security Force (BSF), both sides discussed a wide range of issues, including border fencing, smuggling, terrorism, border demarcation, water sharing, unauthorised construction near the border, and misinformation.

The BGB raised concerns over unauthorised construction of security-related fencing and other infrastructure within 150 yards of the international border, stressing that prior approval from Bangladesh is required for such activities.

Both sides agreed that their field-level formations would refrain from undertaking unauthorised construction and would strictly follow existing bilateral agreements and border management protocols.

The two border forces also pledged to strengthen intelligence sharing and coordinated action against networks involved in counterfeit currency and gold smuggling, recognising that such crimes negatively affect the economies of both countries.

During the talks, BGB expressed concerns about the possible presence of separatist and armed groups from Bangladesh's hill tracts region in India's Mizoram state.

In response, the BSF reiterated India's zero-tolerance policy toward insurgent and terrorist groups and assured that Indian territory would not be allowed to be used for activities against Bangladesh.

Both sides agreed to continue close cooperation against terrorism and prevent militant groups from establishing bases along the border.

Border demarcation and the installation of permanent boundary pillars were also discussed. Bangladesh called for the replacement of temporary markers with permanent border pillars in several areas, including Muhurir Char, while both sides agreed to address outstanding demarcation issues through existing bilateral mechanisms.

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On water-related issues, Bangladesh highlighted concerns regarding water withdrawal from the Kushiyara River and delays in approving excavation work for the Rahimpur Khal intake channel.

Both countries agreed that such matters would continue to be addressed through the Joint Monitoring Team and the Joint Rivers Commission.

The two sides also expressed concern over the spread of misinformation and fabricated reports related to border affairs and bilateral relations.

They agreed to communicate with relevant authorities to discourage the dissemination of rumours and propaganda that could undermine relations between the neighbouring countries.

The director generals of BGB and BSF reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and security along the Bangladesh-India border through continued dialogue and cooperation.