‘Prevent border killings’
Staff Reporter :
Dhaka has urged Delhi to prevent border killings as many Bangladeshis become the victims of killings at the hands of Border Security Force (BSF).
Speaking to reporters at the Home Ministry in the Secretariat on Sunday, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed placed the issue at his discussions with High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma, who had come for a courtesy visit.
When asked about the topics discussed, Minister Ahmed said the talks focused on border issues, particularly preventing border killings.
He noted that BGB and India’s BSF regularly hold meetings to avoid such incidents, and both sides agreed to do everything possible to prevent them.
India conveyed that it is sincere in this regard and that all its agencies will be instructed accordingly.
On the issue of Indian tourist visa operations, the minister said that over the past one and a half years, Indian consulates and visa offices had been targeted in attacks, preventing them from fully resuming visa services.
However, India assured that visa operations would be restored gradually and continued systematically.
Minister Ahmed emphasised that the High Commissioner’s visit was a courtesy call, part of India’s practice of meeting the new government after it is formed.
He noted that, as neighbouring countries, Bangladesh and India maintain trade, business, and security interactions.
He added that Bangladesh sought India’s cooperation on the basis of mutual interest, mutual dignity, and mutual benefit, and that relations – including diplomatic and commercial ties – would remain cordial.
“We hope India will maintain our relationship on the basis of sovereignty and mutual respect,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, High Commissioner Verma confirmed that he met with Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and exchanged views on bilateral issues of common interest, including security cooperation.
He also met with Bangladesh’s Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Md. Asaduzzaman.
During these meetings, Verma conveyed India’s willingness to work with the new Government of Bangladesh to strengthen people-centric cooperation in all domains based on mutual interest, mutual benefit, and mutual sensitivities.
