India's envoy Verma calls for joint efforts to combat border crimes

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has expressed the hope that the understanding between the two border forces will be implemented in a cooperative approach to combating the crimes along the border.

He had a discussion today (12 January) with Foreign Secretary Md Jashim at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on India's commitment to ensuring a crime-free border and effectively addressing the challenges.

Referring to an understanding in regards to fencing the border, the High Commissioner said the two border forces- BSF and BGB - have been in communication.

He also talked about addressing the challenges of smuggling.

In a move to address escalating tensions along the Bangladesh-India border, the Indian High Commissioner had a meeting with Foreign Secretary Jashim to discuss recent border-related issues.

The Indian High Commissioner was seen entering the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building at around 3pm on Sunday, following reports of heightened tensions along the shared border of the two neighbouring countries.

He made a brief statement after the meeting that lasted over half an hour.

Earlier in the day, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed and the Indian High Commissioner may be summoned soon to discuss the matter. "Work at all disputed points has been halted and we will not allow further activities."

The India-Bangladesh border, one of the longest international borders in the world, has often been a point of contention, with incidents ranging from border security issues to the movement of people.