Staff Reporter : A four-day (25–28 August 2025) long ’56th Director General level Border Conference between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Border Security Force (BSF)’ concluded today with the signing of the `Joint Record of Discussions (JRD)”.
The Bangladesh delegation led by DG BGB Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui comprised 21 members. The delegation included senior BGB officials as well as representatives from the Office of the Honourable Chief Adviser, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Shipping, Roads and Highways Department, Department of Land Records and Surveys, Joint Rivers Commission and Department of Narcotics Control. On the other hand, the Indian delegation led by DG BSF Shri Daljit Singh Chaudhary comprised 11 members. It included senior BSF officials, representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, and officials from the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
The summary of discussions based on the agenda of the conference are as follows:
a. DG BGB expressed deep concern over indiscriminate shootings and killings of innocent Bangladeshi nationals by BSF and Indian citizens along the border. In response, DG BSF reiterated his commitment to preventing recurrence of border killings by adopting additional precautionary measures and intensifying night patrols in vulnerable border areas. Both sides agreed to undertake joint awareness programs, implement socio-economic development initiatives in vulnerable areas, promote respect for border sanctity, and prevent cross-border movement of criminals with the objective of reducing such incidents to zero.
b. DG BGB raised concerns over illegal push-ins of individuals, Indian nationals and Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) into Bangladesh by BSF. He emphasized adherence to established procedures for repatriation of illegal entrants. In reply, DG BSF assured that Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in India would be repatriated following mutually agreed processes.
c. Highlighting the importance of Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) in curbing the menace of smuggling various types of drugs and narcotics, fire arms, ammunitions, explosives, gold, fake Indian currency note (FICN) and other contraband items, Both sides agreed to remain cautious and steadfast to stop smuggling through sharing of real time information, investigation reports of traffickers and remaining extra vigilant to curb such crimes.
d. Both sides agreed to take effective measures to prevent border populace from engaging in cross-border crimes such as illegal intrusion, smuggling, human trafficking, breaching with border pillars and other transboundary offences. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the sanctity of the International Border.
e. Both sides agreed not to undertake any development activities within 150 yards of the zero line without prior approval, and to expedite completion of ongoing development works in border areas. Both sides also agreed to facilitate Joint Rivers Commission–approved riverbank protection works and to prevent unauthorized activities in common rivers along the border.
f. Regarding the ‘Connected Bangladesh’ Project to expedite completion of the installation of optical fiber networks connecting Dahagram through the Tin Bigha Corridor, DG BSF assured to place the issue before the concerned ministries/agencies of India to solve it.
g. Both delegations reiterated their ‘Zero Tolerance’ stance against any armed insurgent groups operating across the border and agreed to take necessary measures to prevent any kind of terrorist activities through real-time information sharing.
h. The BGB Director General stressed the need for permanent construction of border pillars at Muhurir Char in Feni and the demarcation of the border along Ichhamati, Kalindi, Raimangal, and Hariabhanga rivers. DG BSF assured to refer these matters to the relevant ministries/agencies of India for resolution.
i. Both sides agreed to refrain from any kind of airspace violation. To avoid any misunderstanding in the future, both sides consented to share real-time information regarding pre-scheduled flights and keep each other informed.
j. Both sides agreed to advise their respective media not to spread contradictory, misleading propaganda or rumors against each other that may create tension along the border.
Both Director Generals expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the conference. They reaffirmed their commitment to work jointly to maintain peace and stability along the border.