BGB, BSF to jointly tackle trans-border crimes

The initiative was part of the discussions which took place between the two border security forces at their annual conference which ended on Tuesday. BSF DG KK Sharma headed the 19-member Indian delegation who attended the five-day conference held at BGB headquarters in Dhaka. “The mapping will help to reduce killing, drug smuggling and trafficking between the two countries,” said BGB Director General Maj Gen Abul Hossain, in response to journalists’ queries. The outcome of the conference was a mutual agreement that the two security forces would operate more efficiently and effectively if they worked together. Steps will now be taken to prevent human trafficking and illegal border crossing through joint efforts by personnel from either side, the sharing of information regarding organised criminal activities and increased surveillance in vulnerable areas along the border. BSF DG Sharma said if the BSF receives any information on militancy, it will take prompt action. “Previously, the BGB and BSF had decided to jointly investigate major incidents or deaths near the Indo-Bangla border. This year they have agreed it is a matter best left to local police as neither BGB nor BSF have the legal authority to make such investigations,” clarified the BGB DG. The two security forces have agreed to limit their roles to surveillance and intelligence gathering. The BGB and the BSF will undertake joint efforts to bring down the border death toll to zero by increasing coordinated patrols. Sharma also requested the safe release of Indian nationals who have been abducted by Indian insurgent groups and the BGB director general responded by saying there were no camps or hideouts of Indian insurgent groups inside Bangladesh. It was also decided that the BSF will forward information about any Bangladeshi citizens currently in Indian jails or correction homes and the BGB will expedite the verification of nationality so they can be quickly repatriated. BGB DG Hossain thanked the Indian government for approving the use of Indian border roads as this will make it easier to reach the remote areas of Chittagong Hill Tracts where new BGB border outposts are being constructed. Both sides will approach their requisite ministries so repair and maintenance of border pillars can be conducted, the number of border haats increased and border tourism can be promoted.