The Narendra Modi government has upped its ante against any king of illegal infiltration along the border with . Director General level talks between BSF and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) concluded in Dhaka on Thursday.
During the meet, a Joint Record of Discussions was signed between the security forces of the two countries and agreed to completely stop illegal infiltration.
The step comes day after PM Narendra Modi announced from the ramparts of the Red Fort that India will stop illegal infiltration completely.
BSF-BGB DG led the talks
The delegation from India was led by Border Security Force (BSF) DG Daljit Singh Chaudhary himself. He led an 11-member delegation, which included senior BSF officials as well as officials from the Home Ministry, Foreign Ministry and the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. The Bangladeshi delegation was led by BGB DG Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, which included 21 members.
What all was decided in the meeting?
In this four-day discussion, BSF and BGB discussed a wide range of issues, including increasing vigilance on the border. According to a joint press release issued by both sides, the BGB DG expressed deep concern over the ‘(alleged) indiscriminate firing and killing of innocent Bangladeshi citizens by BSF and Indian citizens on the border’. At the same time, the BSF Director General reiterated his commitment to prevent border killings by taking extra precautions and increasing night patrolling in sensitive border areas.
According to the press release, BSF DG said, ‘Both the sides have agreed that they will jointly run awareness campaigns. They will also implement socio-economic development schemes in backward areas and respect the sanctity of the border. The objective is that people committing crimes should not be able to cross the border, that is, such incidents should not happen at all.’ Apart from this, during the discussion, BSF DG made it clear that Bangladeshi citizens who are living illegally in India will be sent back under mutual consent and prescribed procedure.
Apart from this, India and Bangladesh have agreed on some other things on the border including any new work within 150 yards of the international border. Apart from this, both will work together to stop erosion of rivers. Both the countries will strictly curb illegal activities like smuggling, human trafficking, tampering with pillars near the border.
No violation of air space
There is also agreement that no country should violate the airspace and to avoid any kind of misunderstanding, information about such planned activities will be exchanged in advance. Both the countries will advise their media not to spread contradictory, misleading, propaganda and rumour-filled information, so that an atmosphere of tension is not created on the border in any way.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Director General level talks between BSF and BGB concludes
- Illegal Bangladeshis to be deported
- Both countries will strictly curb smuggling, human trafficking
- Will advise media not to spread rumour-filled information