India-Bangladesh Border Talks Rescheduled: Focus Remains on Security

NEW DELHI: The upcoming DG-level border discussions between India and Bangladesh, originally scheduled for next month in Delhi, have been postponed due to a scheduling change by Bangladesh, according to official sources on Friday. This meeting, led by the heads of the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), was initially set for November 18-22. It would have marked the first such dialogue since the recent government transition in Bangladesh on August 5.

Sources indicated that the Bangladeshi representatives are working to set a new date for the talks. This meeting, expected to be the 55th edition, typically includes officials from both countries’ home and foreign ministries, alongside agencies such as Customs and anti-narcotics departments that play significant roles in border security.

The last of these bilateral discussions took place in Dhaka in March, covering topics crucial to both nations. The BSF monitors a 4,096-kilometer-long boundary with Bangladesh, and this dialogue was anticipated to focus on traditional topics like improved border management, tackling cross-border crime, and real-time intelligence sharing.

The recent political changes in Bangladesh could potentially shape the agenda for these talks, sources added. Bangladesh is currently led by an interim government under 84-year-old Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. A senior BSF officer stationed along the border mentioned that the situation remains stable, with enhanced vigilance across field units since August 5.

In a recent review, a senior home ministry official described the border situation as “satisfactory” but noted certain areas of concern. During this meeting, chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, the BSF, Customs, and immigration authorities were urged to intensify their efforts against illegal infiltration and cross-border crimes. Meanwhile, officials have also been instructed to maintain humanitarian support in genuine cases.

Since 1993, DG-level talks have been held twice annually, with both nations’ delegations alternating between Delhi and Dhaka to strengthen collaborative border efforts.

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