Staff Reporter :
In a bid to address rising tensions following a fatal incident at the Bangladesh-India border, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Border Security Force (BSF) have responded to queries raised during the 54th Border Conference held in Dhaka.
In the conference, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) clarified that the killing of one of its members by Border Security Force (BSF) bullets in January was not a targeted assassination.
Addressing journalists after the conference, BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui said, “It is not a case of target killing. The killing may have happened in confusion as it was dark and foggy.
However, we are actively addressing border issues, including Rais Uddin’s incident. Our efforts remain vigilant in this regard.”
Regarding the incident on January 22, where a BGB member was fatally shot by BSF at the Dhanikhola border in Sharsha Upazila of Jashore, Major General Siddiqui commented, “Both countries are already briefed on the incident.
I refrain from further elaboration.”
Meanwhile, the Border Security Force (BSF) reiterated its commitment to avoid the use of lethal weapons along the Bangladesh-India borders.
During discussions addressing border killings, Shri Nitin Agarwal, Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), emphasized the their commitment to employing non-lethal weapons along the Bangladesh border, aiming to reduce border killings to zero.
He highlighted the challenges faced by BSF personnel, including organized crimes, human trafficking, and various criminal activities targeting them, often leading to instances where self-defense measures become necessary.
Agarwal clarified that while lethal weapons are not used, even non-lethal weapons fired from close range can have fatal consequences. He underscored the inherent risks faced by BSF members during confrontations, noting that self-defense measures are sometimes unavoidable.
Efforts to combat smuggling and apprehend offenders were also discussed, with Agarwal mentioning that those arrested are handed over to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
Joint border patrolling, intelligence sharing, and other collaborative efforts were highlighted as strategies to mitigate border incidents.
The conference, held from March 5th to 9th, saw participation from a 16-member Bangladesh delegation led by Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui and a 9-member Indian delegation led by Nitin Agarwal.
Discussions covered various topics, including reducing border killings, combating smuggling and human trafficking, and enhancing border security.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to working together to uphold peace and tranquility along the border.
During this year’s conference, both Bangladesh and India reached a consensus on taking decisive measures against the entry of displaced Myanmar nationals crossing the border.
Additionally, discussions addressed pressing environmental concerns, including the flow of contaminated water from India’s Agartala to Bangladesh’s Akhaura through bordering canals.
The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Director General stressed the urgent need for waste treatment plants, as agreed upon by the Joint River Commission’s technical committee meeting.
Both parties agreed to conduct joint inspections and implement necessary measures to protect the bordering environment. Moreover, concerns were raised regarding the closure of the mouth of Rahimpur Khal, which has adversely affected thousands of hectares of cultivable land along the Kushiyara River in Zakiganj.
The BGB Director General urged the Border Security Force (BSF) Director General to promptly reopen the mouth of Rahimpur Khal, emphasizing the humanitarian aspect.
In response, the BSF Director General assured prompt action, considering the interests of both Bangladesh and India.
