Desk Repor:The 55th biennial director-general level talks between the Border Security Force (BSF) of India and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) entered their second day today in New Delhi, with Bangladesh urging a significant reduction in border killings, pushing for zero deaths.
The Bangladesh delegation, led by BGB Director General Maj General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, expressed strong concerns over the issue, calling it a “sensitive” matter for the country. They stated that while Bangladesh has no objections to prosecuting individuals who transgress the border under existing laws, border killings could not be justified. The Indian delegation, led by BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary, acknowledged the need for coordinated border management to curb organized crime at the border.
The meeting also addressed the contentious issue of border fencing. The BSF reiterated that the construction of a single-row fence was in line with past agreements between the two countries. However, the BGB countered, arguing that any fencing should be preceded by a joint survey conducted by border guards from both sides to decide on the specifics of its placement.
Cross-border crimes, such as smuggling of phensedyl, yaba, arms, and other narcotics, were also discussed in detail, with both sides agreeing on measures to tackle these issues.
Despite strong arguments, the atmosphere during the talks was described as “friendly,” with sensitive bilateral issues being discussed “in a candid manner.” The talks, which are typically five days long, have been shortened to three days this year, with a more “business-like” approach. The BGB delegation will return to Dhaka tomorrow after signing the joint minutes of the meeting.
In addition to the formal discussions, the BSF hosted a dinner for the 14-member BGB team. The summit, taking place against the backdrop of a change in leadership in Bangladesh following the fall of the Hasina regime in August 2025, has seen a shift in the usual practices, with no sightseeing activities scheduled for the visiting delegation this time.
The Bangladesh-India border stretches over 4,096 kilometers, passing through five Indian states: West Bengal, Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam, and Mizoram.