Border guarding forces of India and Bangladesh held the 52nd Directors General-level Coordination Conference, which concluded today in Dhaka.
These meetings happen twice a year – it was Bangladesh’s turn to host the conference this time – and the Indian delegation was led by the Director General of the Border Security Force, Pankaj Kumar Singh.
This meeting focused on curbing trans-border crimes and taking all necessary measures to ensure peace and tranquillity along the border, while building upon the mutual trust and harmony among the border guarding forces and countries, a BSF press release stated.
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 agreed to increase coordinated patrols, enhance vigilance and undertake joint efforts to bring down the number of incidents of assault/border crime by intensifying public awareness programmes, undertaking appropriate socio-economic developmental programs in vulnerable areas, educating the border population about the sanctity of the border and preventing criminals/inhabitants from crossing the border illegally.
The two countries’ border forces highlighted the importance of ‘coordinated border management plans’ (CBMPs) in curbing the menace of smuggling contraband, such as drugs, firearms, counterfeit currency, gold etc, and agreed to remain cautious and steadfast to stop smuggling through sharing of real time information and active anti-smuggling efforts.
In regards to trans-border insurgent groups, both sides agreed to show zero tolerance towards any such groups and to take action on real-time information.
