BSF, BGB to enhance joint patrolling to check illegal activities of border areas

This was revealed by Director General, BSF, Rakesh Asthana at a joint press conference with the DG, BGB, Md Shafeenul Islam, here on Friday, after signing of a joint record of discussions during the five-day DG-level border coordination conference which will end on Saturday.

Asthana said, “We had very frank and candid discussions, and issues that are irritants to both sides were discussed. One of the most major outcome of the discussion was the decision to have more joint patrolling during night to control illegal activities. We have night patrolling at present also, but there will be more streamlining and it will be more systematic. Specific regions have also been identified.”

“Secondly, we informed the BGB that the BSF has a year-long programme drawn to commemorate 50 years of liberation of Bangladesh. It will culminate on December 16, 2021, and the DG, BGB, has assured of cooperation in the programmes,” he added.

He further said discussions were held on how to check smuggling and killing in border areas while trying to control criminal activities, and increased confidence building measures among people in the border areas, among other issues.

Identifying cross-border smuggling as a major area of concern, Asthana said, “Syndicates are run from both sides of the border. Smuggling is mostly of narcotics and cattle. We have been constantly monitoring and regular seizures are being made. Due to increased vigil by BSF and BGB, the trend is going down. Still, it is alarming and we need to work on bringing it down further.”

DG, BGB, Islam also expressed concern over cattle smuggling and added, “Cattle smuggling is greatly affecting our farmers, people who raise cows. We are self-sufficient, rather we even produce more than we need. Cattle legally come from Myanmar. We have increased vigil to check cattle smuggling.”

On border killings, Islam said it has been on a rising trend over the years, with the DG, BSF, also conceding that it is a ‘ticklish issue for both sides and have been trying to solve it in the most appropriate manner’.