Attacks on minorities in Bangladesh ‘exaggerated’, says Border Guard Bangladesh chief 

Border Guard Bangladesh chief discusses border security, communication gaps, and joint efforts with BSF for effective border management.

In a high-level delegation meeting between BGB and BSF, Border Guard Bangladesh chief Maj General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui said, “The news of attack on minorities in recent past in Bangladesh is an exaggeration. We provided security to puja pandals within 8 k.m. of international border during Durga Puja, which were held peacefully.”

Commenting on the recent border fencing issue between India and Bangladesh, he said that no side is allowed to construct permanent structure within 150 yards. He added that the communication gap occurs when fencing occurs within 150 yards. He said that Bangladesh has raised objections that proper consulting and mutual discussion needs to be held.

“We hope to resolve that in the future so that construction can take place in the no-man’s land”, said Border Guard Bangladesh chief.

He said, “No discussion to change the 1975 clause on border alignment. This was beyond the scope of this meeting. How far back from the zero line the fence should be, has always been part of the discussion. We have requested joint inspection at these locations.”

Talking about surveillance system along the borders BSF DG Daljit Singh Chawdhary said that “we got enough force to guard Bangladesh border. At the same time we have the technological solutions available with us, state of the art surveillance system. We are taking feed of every area in our system so that we can take action against any illegal activity along the border.”

The BSF said in a statement last week that the conference is being organised to discuss border-related issues and improve coordination between the border guarding forces.

Discussions will be held on preventing attacks on BSF personnel and Indian civilians by Bangladesh-based miscreants/nationals as well as trans-border crimes, construction of single row fences, action against Indian insurgent groups in Bangladesh, issues related to border infrastructure, joint efforts for effective implementation of coordinated border management plan, confidence building measures and other issues, it had said.