Joint Statement after 29th Director General Level “Border Coordination Conference” between BSF and Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) held in New Delhi -April 1, 2009 |
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The 29th DG Level “Border Coordination Conference” between BSF and Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) was held from 30th March – 1st April, 2009 in New Delhi. The BDR delegation was led by Major General Md. Mainul Islam, awc, psc, Director General Bangladesh Rifles and the BSF delegation was led by Shri M L Kumawat, Director General, BSF.
2. DG BSF expressed his deepest condolences over the tragic incident in BDR and reiterated India’s continuing support during this period and commitment as a close and friendly neighbour to strengthen the enduring friendship.
3. DG BDR expressed his gratitude for India’s support and cooperation during the recent crisis. He complemented BSF for their professional role in maintaining peace and tranquility on Indo-Bangladesh border during the crisis. He stated that the purpose of his visit was to reaffirm their commitment for continued cooperation between the two border forces.
4. Bangladesh and India share enduring feeling of fraternal, linguistic and cultural ties and also a common history of struggle and liberation. Both sides noted the recent upswing in the relations and emphasized on the need to strengthen the multifaceted relationship for the mutual benefit of the people and prosperity in the region.
5. Both sides discussed a range of issues related to Border Management and agreed to strengthen joint efforts to prevent trans-border crimes including illegal movements across the border, trafficking of women and children, smuggling of drugs, arms and ammunition, etc. In pursuance of the decision taken at the 9th Home Secretary level talks between India and Bangladesh held in Dhaka from 29th to 31st August 2008 regarding joint visit to a few vulnerable stretches, where fencing is not feasible and riverine areas of the border, for formulating a Joint Border Management Plan which would help in effectively reducing trans-border crime and strengthening border management. Both sides recalled that committees from both sides have already been constituted and expressed the hope that visits would take place soon. The visit would help both sides to develop a better understanding and appreciate each others concerns.
6. DG BSF appreciated the commitment of Government of Bangladesh not to allow Bangladesh territory for any activity inimical to India. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the area of security.
7. Both sides also agreed to adopt a pragmatic and positive approach for development works on both sides of border for the welfare of border population.
8. The issue of taking over work related to maintenance of boundary pillars by BSF and BDR on the Indo-Bangladesh border which has been under discussion for sometime, also figured during the conference.
9. Both sides agreed that closer cooperation and better understanding between the two forces is essential to deal with the complex range of issues on the Indo-Bangladesh border with constructive engagement at all levels. Also, both sides agreed to strengthen confidence building measures and institutional linkages between the two forces.
10. Next Conference will be held at mutually convenient dates at Dhaka.
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