New Delhi: The issue of strengthening trade and bilateral relations was stressed during 53rd Director General level Border Coordination Conference-2023 held at BSF Chhawla Camp here on June 11-14. Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh (DG BGB) Maj Gen A K M Nazmul Hasan, BAM, NDC, PSC, headed the Bangladesh delegation to India, while Sujoy Lal Thaosen, IPS, the Director General of the Border Security Force (DG BSF) led the Indian delegation.

During the conference, significant decisions were made that will greatly benefit the people living along the Indo-Bangladesh border. A total of five developmental projects were agreed upon, showcasing a joint commitment towards progress and prosperity in the region.

Both border guarding forces have reached an agreement to effectively tackle border crimes through increased nighttime simultaneous coordinated patrols (SCP) in vulnerable areas, as well as the real-time sharing of information.

Furthermore, both border guarding forces have placed emphasis on expediting and giving greater momentum to developmental and infrastructure activities. These initiatives aim to enhance trade and bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.

BSF DG Thaosen expressed appreciation for the cooperation of BGB in facilitating the swift construction of the Single Row Fence and essential elements along the Indo-Bangladesh border. The DG BGB reassured full cooperation and confirmed that relevant battalions have been instructed to conduct joint verifications for the planned single row fence works. Additionally, both sides agreed to schedule a meeting of Nodal Officers within one month to address matters concerning developmental and infrastructure works.

Recognizing the significance of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) in addressing the challenge of trans-border crimes such as drug smuggling and trafficking of contraband items, FICN (Fake Indian Currency Notes), gold, and narcotics, both sides have committed to actively pursue and share real-time information and interrogation reports related to traffickers. 

They have also pledged to maintain heightened vigilance to effectively combat these crimes and strive towards creating a crime-free Indo-Bangladesh border.

To address the issue of violent incidents along the border and to actively decrease their occurrence, both sides have reached an agreement to collaborate and engage in a professional manner. This includes strengthening joint patrolling and vigilance, particularly during late hours of the night to early morning. Additionally, efforts will be made to intensify public awareness programs.

Both parties acknowledged and commended the efforts made to strengthen mutual cooperation through various Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) implemented under the Comprehensive Border Management Plans. These include quarterly meetings at the Nodal Officers' Level, coordinated joint patrolling, and the identification of vulnerable areas.

DG BSF specifically highlighted the importance of increasing sports activities between the two forces at the border and exploring the possibility of incorporating water sports activities in the riverine border. This suggestion was well-received by the Director General of the Border Guard Bangladesh (DG BGB). Both sides agreed to continue engaging in bilateral activities such as games and sports, joint retreat ceremonies, goodwill visits, and training exchange programs in the future.

The exchange visits by media houses, as proposed by the DG BGB, were also highly appreciated by the DG BSF. As the conference ended, both DGs expressed their contentment with the conference's outcome. The delegation leaders reaffirmed their dedication to collaborate in order to uphold peace and tranquility at the border. It was agreed, in principle, that the next DG level conference would be held in Bangladesh. /BI/