BSF, Border Guard Bangladesh hold talks amid fencing row

Amid the ongoing diplomatic tussle between India and Bangladesh on the issue of a single-row fencing work at the border, sector commanders of the BSF and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Wednesday held a coordination meeting at Benapole, Bengal sector, which sources said, was aimed at confidence building and strengthening bilateral relations.

The meeting deliberated upon important issues of mutual interest, including development projects in border areas, implementation of a single-row fence (SRF), effective measures to combat cross-border crime including cattle smuggling, human trafficking and illegal immigrants. The sector commander-level border coordination meeting was held at border point Benapole, BSF sources said.

Such high-level interaction highlights the unwavering commitment of both the forces towards strengthening bilateral relations and ensuring the sanctity of the international border, an official said

The BSF delegation was led by Tarni Kumar, DIG, Sector Headquarters, BSF Kolkata, while the BGB delegation was led by Colonel Mehedi Hasan Chowdhury, Sector Commander, Sector Headquarters, BGB Khulna. The delegation comprised respective battalion commanders and staff officers of both the forces. 

"Through open dialogue and cooperation, both forces have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the sanctity of the international border while addressing shared concerns," a statement issued by BSF said.

The talks were held amid objections by Bangladesh on single-row fencing work being done by the BSF on the border, while India has said that it would continue with the projects despite Dhaka's misgivings.