New Delhi: A high-level delegation from Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) arrived in New Delhi on Monday for the 55th Director General-level Border Coordination Conference with India’s Border Security Force (BSF). The talks, set for Tuesday, are the first since the Sheikh Hasina-led government was ousted in August 2024, making them crucial for both sides.
Key Issues on the Agenda
According to officials, India is set to raise concerns about:
- Insurgent groups operating in Bangladesh.
- Recent attacks on BSF personnel and Indian civilians by Bangladeshi nationals.
- Trans-border crimes and efforts to strengthen border infrastructure.
- The construction of a single-row fence for better surveillance.
A senior Indian official stated, “Trust deficit has led to rising tensions along the border. These talks aim to bridge the gap and implement effective confidence-building measures.”
Growing Diplomatic Concerns
India has expressed unease over Bangladesh’s increasing diplomatic alignment with Pakistan since the August coup. Intelligence reports suggest that:
- Pakistan’s ISI and military officials have visited sensitive areas near the Indian border.
- India has raised concerns about rising violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.
- Security alert levels along the 4,096 km-long border have been heightened.
Strategic Talks at BSF Headquarters
The Indian delegation is led by BSF DG Daljit Singh Chaudhary, while the Bangladeshi team is headed by BGB DG Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui. The last bi-annual talks were held in Dhaka in March 2023, but the November 2023 meeting was postponed at Bangladesh’s request.
The Bangladeshi delegation is also expected to meet senior officials from the Union Home Ministry to discuss broader security and diplomatic matters.
Border Security and Future Cooperation
India and Bangladesh share a 4,096 km-long border across five Indian states:
- West Bengal – 2,217 km
- Tripura – 856 km
- Meghalaya – 443 km
- Assam – 262 km
- Mizoram – 318 km
Both countries have committed to strengthening their Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) to curb illegal activities and enhance security cooperation.
