Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Aug 28, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh and India have agreed to stop killings, smugglings, illegal intrusion at borders alongside repatriate their nationals following due legal process and not to take development schemes within 150 yards of zero line. 
  
The consensus came in a joint press briefing issued today by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) upon completion of the four-day Director General (DG) level of border conference at BGB's Pilkhana Headquarters in Dhaka. 
   
Director General (DG) of BGB Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui led 21-meber Bangladesh delegation while BSF DG Daljit Singh Chaudhary led the 11-member Indian delegation. 

Chiefs of both the border guards expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the conference. 

They reaffirmed their commitment to work jointly to maintain peace and stability along the border.

Bangladesh delegation included senior BGB officials as well as representatives from the Office of the Chief Adviser, Home Ministry, Foreign Ministry, Shipping Ministry, Roads and Highways Department, Department of Land Records and Surveys, Joint Rivers Commission and Department of Narcotics Control. 

The Indian delegation included senior BSF officials, representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs and officials from the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.

During the meeting, BGB chief expressed deep concern over indiscriminate shootings and killings of innocent Bangladeshi nationals by BSF and Indian citizens along the border. 

In response, BSF chief 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.

The BGB DG also raised concerns over illegal push-ins of individuals, Indian nationals and Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) into Bangladesh by BSF. 

He emphasized adherence to establish procedures for repatriation of illegal entrants. 

In reply, BSF DG assured that Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in India would be repatriated following mutually agreed processes.

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. 

During the meeting, 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 trans-boundary offences. 

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the sanctity of the International Border.

At the meeting, both Bangladesh and India 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.

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.

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.

BGB DG has 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. 

BSF DG assured to refer these matters to the relevant ministries/agencies of India for resolution.

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.

Bangladesh and India has agreed to advise their respective media not to spread contradictory, misleading propaganda or rumors against each other that may create tension along the border.