The 57th Director General (DG)-level Border Conference between the border guarding forces of Bangladesh and India was held in New Delhi.
Following the conference, which took place from June 8 to 11 at the BSF Headquarters, both Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) issued separate press statements on Thursday (June 11) and Friday (June 12), respectively.
However, no joint statement or joint press conference was held after the high-level meeting, which was expected.
According to the BGB statement issued on Friday (June 12), the Bangladesh delegation was led by BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, while the Indian delegation was led by BSF Director General Praveen Kumar.
Reflecting long-standing cooperation and mutual trust between the two forces, the conference was held in a cordial, positive and forward-looking atmosphere.
As the highest-level bilateral mechanism between BGB and BSF, the conference serves as an important platform for reviewing the border situation and discussing mutual concerns related to border security and management.
The BSF statement said the meeting, held from June 8 to 11 at BSF Headquarters, took place in a friendly and positive environment, where both sides raised concerns over the current border situation, security and management issues.
Detailed discussions were held on effective measures to prevent trans-border crimes, including smuggling of narcotics, arms, counterfeit currency, gold and other prohibited goods, as well as illegal border crossings and human trafficking.
The two sides also discussed border-related fatalities, illegal, inadvertent or forced border crossings, border infrastructure development, implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP), confidence-building measures, and the need for close cooperation in addressing emerging security challenges along the border.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and stability along the Bangladesh-India border.
They agreed to further strengthen coordinated patrols, enhance vigilance, improve real-time information sharing and intensify joint efforts against trans-border criminal networks.
Emphasis was also placed on raising awareness among border residents about international border laws and regulations and increasing public awareness to prevent illegal activities in border areas.
Both border forces reiterated a zero-tolerance policy against trans-border crimes, insurgent activities and any actions that threaten border security.
The two sides expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the conference and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation, mutual trust and professional engagement to ensure a secure and peaceful border.
The conference concluded on June 11 with the signing of a joint record of discussions. Both delegations expressed hope that the decisions and understandings reached would further enhance bilateral cooperation, contribute to effective border management and strengthen friendly relations between Bangladesh and India.
The next DG-level conference has been proposed to be held in Dhaka in November 2026 at a mutually convenient time.
BSF attempts push-in a day after meeting
The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) allegedly attempted to push 12 individuals, including women and children, into Bangladesh through the Pragpur border in Kushtia, according to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). The attempt was foiled by BGB.
The group is currently stranded in no-man’s land along the border.
The incident occurred early Friday near border pillar 148/3-S in the Pragpur border area.
According to BGB sources, the group consists of four men, four women and four children. They are currently staying outside the barbed-wire fence on the Indian side of the border. Surveillance in the border area has been intensified to prevent their entry into Bangladesh, with local residents also assisting, they said.
Local residents said they are guarding the border alongside BGB personnel and will not allow entry under any circumstances. They said BSF pushed the group toward Bangladesh and then closed its gate, leaving them exhausted under the scorching heat.
Rashed Kamal Rony, Commanding Officer of 47 BGB Battalion in Kushtia, said routine patrols along the border have been intensified and that BSF attempts are being resisted.