High Commission of India, Dhaka
April 20, 2005
PRESS RELEASE
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Bangladesh Minister of State for Home Affairs H.E. Md. Lutfuzzaman Babar telephoned Union Home Minister on April 19 and expressed regret over the death of Assistant Commandant Jeevan Kumar. He also conveyed that Dhaka has ordered an enquiry into the incident of firing by BDR forces on BSF personnel in the Agartala sector on Saturday, 16 th April 2005. Stern action would be taken against those involved in the incident.
BDR Director General Jahangir Alam telephoned DG BSF and assured that BDR was keen to defuse the tension and suggested joint patrolling by the two forces. DG, BSF reiterated that BDR must exercise restraint.
On Monday, 18 th April 2005, H.E. Veena Sikri, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh , called on H.E. Sarwar Hossain Mollah, Acting Foreign Secretary, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh , to convey the Government of India's strong condemnation of the incident.
Bangladesh Acting High Commissioner Masood Bin Momen was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs on April 18 by Mrs. Neelam Deo, Joint Secretary (BSM) to convey India 's deep disappointment and regret over the incident, where she stated that its repercussions could not be ignored.