The 55th India-Bangladesh Border Guard meeting held in Delhi ended without resolving long-standing issues, with both sides failing to reach consensus on critical border matters.
The four-day-long 55th meeting between the Border Security Force (BSF) of India and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) concluded in Delhi, but both parties failed to resolve some of the key contentious issues.
According to a report from German media outlet Deutsche Welle, Bangladesh raised objections over the construction of barbed wire within 150 yards of the international border, a practice they believe violates international border laws. Meanwhile, India emphasized the need to address concerns about infiltration and smuggling across the border.
The meeting was attended by the Director General of BGB, Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddique, and the Director General of BSF, Daljit Singh. After the talks, both officials acknowledged that a wide range of issues were discussed, and the possibility of further dialogue remains open. However, neither country could reach an agreement on the ongoing border disputes.
India focused on the issue of infiltration, with allegations that people from Bangladesh are crossing into Indian territory illegally, along with accusations of arms and other smuggling. On the other hand, Bangladesh raised the issue of India constructing barbed wire within 150 yards of the international border, citing it as a violation of international border protocols.
One recent incident in the village of Sabdalpur, near Malda, where India installed such barbed wire, led to tensions and verbal confrontations between the two nations. Bangladesh brought up this issue during the Delhi meeting.
The BGB DG stated that any construction within the 150-yard border zone requires discussions and consent from both countries, as such activities must be justified. Only with mutual agreement can any such work be carried out.
On the Indian side, it was emphasized that installing single-line fences or modern barbed wire is crucial for border security. India also proposed creating a joint border management plan for better coordination between both nations. Additionally, India raised concerns about attacks on BSF personnel and Indian citizens allegedly carried out from Bangladesh’s side.
Furthermore, India requested that BGB take action against insurgent groups like the Indian Insurgent Groups (IIG), which allegedly plan to carry out terrorist attacks in India. The two sides also discussed establishing a joint security system along the border and addressing water-sharing issues related to rivers along the boundary.
Liberty News’ national correspondent states that at the end of the four-day conference in Delhi, both countries’ directors-general held a joint press conference, assuring that measures will be taken based on mutual agreement. However, according to sources, no permanent resolution was reached on the key contentious issues raised in this meeting.
LND/BAIZID
