NEW DELHI: India and Bangladesh have agreed to create a new direct communication link between their border security officers. They have also identified 99 new areas where fencing will be installed along their shared border. These decisions were made during high-level talks between India's Border Security Force (BSF) and Bangladesh's Border Guard (BGB), which ended on Thursday.
This was the first major meeting between the two forces since Sheikh Hasina’s government stepped down in Bangladesh on August 5 last year.
The three-day discussions, held from February 18 to 20, took place in a friendly manner. The Indian side explained the need to complete fencing along the remaining parts of the 4,096 km-long border, which touches five Indian states. According to official data, around 864 km of the border is still unfenced, including 174 km where fencing is difficult.
As part of the latest agreement, a new HOTLINE will be set up between senior officers. This will connect the additional director general (ADG) of BSF’s eastern command in Kolkata with his counterpart at BGB headquarters in Dhaka. Officials believe this direct link will improve coordination and help prevent cross-border crimes.
Currently, communication channels exist between top officials and regional commanders from both sides. These lines help in sharing intelligence and addressing border issues quickly.
During the meeting, BSF Chief Daljit Singh Chawdhary urged the BGB to take strict action against Bangladeshi criminals who attempt to cross into India and attack BSF personnel or Indian citizens. It was also made clear that any attacks on BSF officers would be taken seriously.
In response, BGB Chief Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui assured that his force would increase joint patrolling, especially at night, to prevent illegal activities.
Both sides also discussed the need for fencing at 99 newly identified areas, covering around 70 km. A joint inspection will be conducted before work begins. Meanwhile, fencing at 92 previously approved locations, covering nearly 96 km, is already in progress.
The Bangladeshi delegation returned to Dhaka on February 20. The next round of talks (56th edition) is scheduled for July in Bangladesh.