BGB, BSF Vow Zero Tolerance against Trans-Border Crimes

The 57th Director General-level Border Coordination Conference between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) concluded in New Delhi on Thursday, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and security along the Bangladesh-India border.

The high-level, four-day conference was held at the BSF Headquarters in New Delhi from June 8 to 11. 

The Indian delegation was led by BSF Director General Praveen Kumar, while the Bangladesh delegation was headed by BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui.

According to a joint press release, the conference was held in a cordial, positive, and forward-looking atmosphere, reflecting the enduring cooperation and mutual trust between the border forces of the two countries. 

As the highest-level bilateral mechanism between the BSF and BGB, the conference reviewed the prevailing border situation and comprehensively discussed issues related to border security and management.

During the extensive discussions, both sides focused heavily on strategic measures to prevent trans-border crimes, including the smuggling of narcotics, arms, counterfeit currency, gold, and other contraband items, as well as curbing illegal border crossings and human trafficking.

The two delegations also discussed border deaths, illegal, inadvertent, and forcible crossings, the construction of essential border infrastructure, the implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP), confidence-building measures and closer cooperation in addressing emerging security challenges along the shared frontier.

To ensure operational efficiency, both sides agreed to strengthen coordinated patrols, enhance vigilance, improve real-time information sharing, and intensify joint efforts targeting trans-border criminal networks. 

They also stressed the critical need to raise awareness among border residents about the sanctity of the international boundary and to prevent illegal activities in border areas.

Furthermore, the two forces reiterated their strict policy of zero tolerance towards trans-border crimes, insurgent activities, and any actions that could undermine border security.

Both delegations expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the conference and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation, mutual trust and professional engagement for secure and peaceful borders. 

The conference formally concluded with the signing of the Joint Record of Discussions.

Both sides expressed confidence that the decisions and understandings reached during the meeting would further enhance bilateral cooperation, improve border management and contribute to the friendly relations between Bangladesh and India. 

The next DG-level conference is proposed to be held in Dhaka in November 2026 at a mutually convenient time.