NEW DELHI: India and Bangladesh have agreed to conduct joint spot verification and appraisal after any major incident/killing of smugglers on the Indo-Bangla border in order to minimise misunderstandings over such incidents.
The two sides also agreed to sensitise the border population on the sanctity of the border. The discussions were part of the just concluded biannual conference between Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) in Dhaka.
According to the summary of discussions during the conference, DG BGB Major General Abul Hossain expressed grave concern on the incidents of firing and killing of Bangladeshi nationals and emphasised the need for bringing the death toll to zero by exercising extreme caution on the part of the BSF and sensitising Indian nationals.
Highlighting the fact that though the non-lethal strategy has proved extremely successful in reducing deaths along the border, DG BSF KK Sharma said that it has also resulted in an alarming increase in incidents of attacks by the criminals on BSF personnel.
Sharma further stated that BSF personnel fire with a non-lethal weapon only in self-defence. DG BSF sought the cooperation of BGB in stopping Bangladeshi nationals from crossing the International Boundary (IB).
Joint efforts by BGB and BSF will be undertaken to bring down the killing incidence to zero by increasing coordinated patrols in areas vulnerable to cattle and drug smuggling, educating border population about the sanctity of IB and preventing criminals from crossing the IB.
DG BSF sought further cooperation from BGB for the destruction of reported hideouts of Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs) in Bangladesh and safe release of Indian nationals whenever abducted by IIGs. On his part, DG BGB stated that there is no IIGs camp/ hideout inside Bangladesh. DG BGB further mentioned that Bangladesh does not allow her soil to be used by any entity or element hostile to any country which stems from the principled position of the highest leadership of the country.
Highlighting the importance of Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) in curbing the menace of trans-border crimes like smuggling of arms, ammunition, explosives, drugs and narcotics including Yaba (Amphetamine), Fake Currency Notes, Gold and Cattle; breaching of IBB fence, dacoities, theft, abductions etc; both the sides agreed to implement CBMP in letter and spirit, the BSF said in a statement.
DG BSF also requested the BGB to expedite verification of nationality for early repatriation of Bangladesh nationals found staying in Indian Jails/ Correction homes.
Confidence Building Measures like joint training, joint exercise, adventure training like kayaking, rafting, cycling, rowing and mountain climbing, joint band display with cultural program; exchange visits for school children, Media; shooting competition and joint retreat ceremony will be conducted by both the forces.
BSF will also sponsor scholarships for selected brilliant children of BGB members in Indian Medical and Engineering colleges.