India, Bangladesh vow joint action to curb border crimes

India and Bangladesh have agreed to step up joint measures to reduce incidents of border crimes, placing emphasis on public awareness campaigns, socio-economic initiatives in vulnerable areas, and educating communities on respecting the International Border (IB) while deterring criminals and locals from crossing it, the Border Security Force (BSF) said.

According to a report by Asia News Network, the two countries' border forces also resolved to adopt a "zero tolerance" approach towards trans-border insurgent groups and suspected camps, promising coordinated action on either side of the frontier based on real-time intelligence.

The understanding was reached during the four-day Director General-level coordination conference between the BSF and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), held from 25–28 August at the BGB headquarters in Pilkhana, Dhaka. The Indian delegation was led by BSF chief Daljit Singh, while BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui headed the Bangladesh side.

Key issues raised by the BSF included attacks and assaults on its personnel and Indian nationals by Bangladesh-based criminals, the prevention of cross-border crimes, action against Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs), delays in handing over illegal Bangladeshi entrants, implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP), drone intrusions, and what it described as "incorrect reporting" by Bangladeshi media.

The BGB, meanwhile, placed focus on stopping border killings, violations, alleged illegal crossings by Indian nationals, smugglers and police, the establishment of effluent treatment plants for canals carrying wastewater from Agartala to Akhaura, and the regulation of infrastructure construction within 150 yards of the IB. 

Issues of demarcation, surveys, and riverbank protection were also highlighted.

Both sides underlined the importance of the CBMP in combating the smuggling of contraband such as narcotics - particularly Yaba tablets - as well as firearms, counterfeit currency, and gold. The BSF also stressed the need for the early construction of a Single Row Fence (SRF) to curb trans-border crimes, to which both forces agreed to proceed under established procedures.

The two frontier forces further agreed to work with higher authorities to resolve pending developmental projects within 150 yards of the IB and to facilitate approved riverbank protection works along shared rivers.

"These decisions were taken by the DGs after detailed discussions on the agenda from both sides with a view to maintain the highest level of cordial relation between the bordering countries as envisaged by current top leadership," the BSF statement said.

The next DG-level conference is scheduled to be held in New Delhi in March 2026.