12 Kolkata/Malda: Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) conducted a sector commander-level coordination meeting on Wednesday at Bangladesh's Sonamasjid border outpost, addressing growing security concerns along the international border. The meeting — held days after a clash between Indian and Bangladeshi citizens at the Sukdevpur border in Malda — focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing illegal activities at the border.
BSF Deputy Inspector General Tarun Kumar Gautam and BGB Rajshahi Sector Commander Colonel Mohammad Imran Ibne Rouf led their respective delegations, accompanied by battalion commanders and staff officers from both sides. "Important issues of mutual interest in border areas were discussed. Strengthening bilateral cooperation, control of illegal activities in the border area, and stopping the movement of people other than farmers near the international border were discussed," said BSF South Bengal spokesperson N K Pandey, DIG.
The official said both sides emphasised finding solutions to border-related problems through dialogue. "Both sides expressed concern over the exaggeration of border-related disputes and rumours spread by a section of the media and agreed to prevent the same," he added.
The official said the meeting also addressed the Jan 18 incident at the Sukdevpur border when villagers from both sides of the border clashed among themselves. "The meeting concluded on a positive note. These high-level meetings symbolise the strong partnership between India and Bangladesh. Both the forces reiterated their commitment towards maintaining the security of the international border and resolving common issues through dialogue and cooperation," he added.