BDR, BSF promise to keep border peaceful

Staff Correspondent, Sylhet

A high-level meeting between the border security forces of Bangladesh and India yesterday decided to maintain normal and peaceful atmosphere on the border of the two neighbouring countries.

The Border Security Force (BSF) officials also regretted the recent unwanted incidents on the 17-km Jaintapur-Tamabil borders, said Deputy Director General (DDG) of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) Brigadier General Obaidul Haque on his return from Indian state of Meghalaya to Tamabil check post here in the evening.

The five-hour DDG-level meeting between BDR and its Indian counterpart BSF was held at Dauki, opposite to Tamabil.

BDR DDG Brigadier General Obaidul Haque led the 8-member Bangladesh team that included Sector Commander of Sylhet Col Neamul Islam Fatemi and Sector Commander of Rangpur Col Khairuzzaman.

The irritants like trading of gunfire between the border forces on the troubled Tamabil-Jaintapur border, reinforcement of the BSF troops, intrusion of BSF and Indian civilians into Bangladesh territory, obstructing Bangladeshi farmers inside Bangladeshi territory featured in the meeting, the DDG said.

BSF Inspector General of Assam-Meghalaya Frontier RC Saxena led the 9-men Indian team at the meeting. The other members included DIGs K Srinibasan, Rabi Gandhi and Mridul Sonwal and Sector Commander of Guwahati JC Pandey.

Unprovoked firing on the Bangladeshi civilians by the BSF and Indian Khasia tribesmen, attempt to occupy Bangladesh lands in Sripur, Jaintapur and Tamabil border areas dominated the issues.

The Indian team assured of taking measures to stop all sorts of unwanted activities on the borders while both sides agreed to maintain status quo with a view to ensuring peace in the region, Brigadier Obaidul said.

Other trans-border problems like smuggling, illegal trespass etc were also discussed at the meeting.

The meeting took place in the wake of troubles along the borders in Jaintapur, Tamabil, Sripur borders since February this year.