BSF and BGB hold border coordination meeting to strengthen ties

Kolkata: The Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday sad that a border coordination meeting was held between deputy inspector general (DIG), BSF, Malda Sector, and sector commander, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rajshahi Sector, at border outpost Sonamasjid in Bangladesh a day earlier to strengthen bilateral relations and “ensure the sanctity” of the international border.

The meeting came in the backdrop of the recent clashes between farmers on both sides of the India-Bangladesh border on January 18.

Before that, the BSF had faced resistance while building fences in Malda's Sukdevpur.


Apart from discussion on ensuring effective border management, recent concerns, including the incident at Sukdevpur border in Malda district on January 18 were also discussed in the meeting, the BSF said.

“BSF reiterated its commitment to work closely with the BGB to maintain peace and security along the Indo-Bangladesh border. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both forces expressing their continued commitment to bilateral cooperation and border security,” it said.

Several border management related issues of mutual interest were discussed in the meeting, according to people in the know.

“Strengthening bilateral cooperation, control of illegal activities in the border area, prevention of movement of people other than farmers near the international border were discussed and consensus was reached. Both sides emphasised on finding solutions to border related problems through mutual dialogue and consensus,” a BSF statement said.

The BSF delegation was led by DIG-sector headquarters (Malda) Tarun Kumar Gautam while the BGB delegation was headed by Colonel Mohammad Imran Ibne Rouf, the sector commander (sector headquarters, BGB)-Rajshahi. The delegation comprised respective battalion commanders and staff officers of both forces.

BSF South Bengal Frontier public relations officer, DIG NK Pandey, said, “These high-level meetings symbolise the strong partnership between India and Bangladesh. Both the forces reiterated their

commitment towards maintaining security of the international border and resolving common issues through mutual dialogue and cooperation.”

He stressed that the “BSF is fully dedicated to its objective of ensuring peace and security of its borders and maintaining cordial relationships with its neighbouring countries is high on its priority”.

India shares a 4,096-km border with Bangladesh, of which a 2,216-km long stretch runs alongside West Bengal. In South Bengal, India shares a 913-km border with Bangladesh, out of which 424 km remains unfenced.