The Border Security Force (BSF) and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) discussed “illegal and forced border crossings”, among other issues, pertaining to the India-Bangladesh border during the three-day Director-General-level talks that concluded on Thursday, a BSF statement said.
The 57th Director-General-Level Border Coordination Conference between the border-guarding forces of India and Bangladesh was held in Delhi from June 8 to 11.
“During the deliberations, both sides held detailed discussions on measures to effectively prevent trans-border crimes, including smuggling of narcotics, arms, counterfeit currency, gold and other contraband, as well as illegal border crossings and human trafficking. The two delegations also discussed issues relating to border deaths and illegal/inadvertent/forcible crossing at the border areas, construction of border infrastructure, implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan, confidence-building measures and the need for closer cooperation in addressing emerging security challenges along the border,” the BSF statement said.
Unlike in the past, when D-G-level meetings were followed by a press conference, this time only a statement was issued by the BSF.
Over the past month, there have been multiple incidents of undocumented persons, suspected to be from Bangladesh, being sent across the border on foot, only to be stopped by the BGB. The reported “pushback” of undocumented persons, not restricted to the West Bengal border but also along the Meghalaya, Tripura, and Assam frontiers, has resulted in confrontations between BSF and BGB personnel at several border points. There have also been reports of stone-pelting along some of these stretches.
While Bangladesh has refused to accept the undocumented persons, questioning their nationality, the BSF has maintained that they had entered India illegally and were carrying documents indicating Bangladeshi nationality.
A BGB statement said that “D-G, BGB expressed deep concern, particularly over the recent incidents of push-ins of individuals, including Rohingya/Myanmar nationals and Indian nationals, into Bangladesh by BSF, which are in violation of the Joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines for Border Authorities, the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP), decisions mutually agreed upon during previous DGs-Level Talks (DGLTs), as well as established bilateral norms and procedures.” It stated that the suffering of these “pushed-in” individuals at the border was immense and many of them were in distress, suffering from hunger and illness, and include elderly persons requiring urgent medical attention.
The BGB reiterated the position of the Bangladesh government that any individual verified as a Bangladeshi national would be received expeditiously through established bilateral repatriation mechanisms, in accordance with legal and diplomatic procedures. He urged the BSF D-G to take immediate steps to stop such practices and to follow the well-established bilateral mechanisms and protocols for the repatriation of individuals identified as Bangladeshi nationals.
While responding to the concern raised by the D-G, BSF regarding illegal migration of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas to India, the BGB D-G stated that the Rohingya crisis is a humanitarian issue and reiterated that Bangladesh does not allow Rohingya or Myanmar nationals to use its territory for illegal entry into India. He noted instances where Rohingyas attempting to enter Bangladesh from India were apprehended. Both sides agreed to strengthen measures against illegal cross-border movement, act firmly against human trafficking networks, and ensure timely rescue, rehabilitation, and legal support for victims.
The Indian delegation was led by BSF Director-General Praveen Kumar, while the Bangladesh delegation was led by BGB Director-General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui.
“The conference has been conducted in a cordial, positive and forward-looking atmosphere, reflecting the enduring cooperation and mutual trust between the two border guarding forces. As the highest-level bilateral mechanism between BSF and BGB, the border coordination conference provides an important platform to review the prevailing border situation and discuss issues of mutual concern relating to border security and border management,” the BSF statement said.
It added that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, tranquillity and stability along the India-Bangladesh border and agreed to further strengthen coordinated patrols, enhance vigil, improve real-time information sharing and intensify joint efforts against trans-border criminal networks.
“Emphasis was also laid on sensitising border population about the sanctity of the international boundary and promoting greater public awareness to prevent illegal activities in border areas,” it said.
The two border guarding forces reiterated their shared resolve to adopt a policy of zero tolerance towards trans-border crimes, insurgent activities and any actions that undermine border security. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the conference and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation, mutual trust and professional engagement in the interest of secure and peaceful borders, it further said.
With the signing of the Joint Record of Discussions on Thursday (June 11, 2026), the conference concluded on a positive note, with both delegations expressing confidence that the decisions and understandings reached would further enhance bilateral cooperation and contribute to effective border management and friendly relations between India and Bangladesh. The next DG-level conference is proposed to be held in Dhaka in November.
Published - June 12, 2026 03:57 pm IST
India-Bangladesh / Bangladesh / India / India
Source: The Hindu - India News
