Enhanced intel sharing between BSF, BGB to counter terrorism

In the wake of the recent terror attacks in Bangladesh, the border guards of India and Bangladesh have agreed enhancing real time intelligence sharing and border management cooperation to combat terrorism, the BSF said on Friday.

The decision was taken during the four-day Border Coordination Conference between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) which culminated on Friday in Siliguri and Kolkata.

The 20-member BGB contingent led by Brig. Gen. Shahriar Ahmed Chowdhury, Region Commander, North West Region discussed a host of issues including cross border smuggling with the BSF delegation led by Kamal Nayan Choubey, Inspector General, North Bengal Frontier, during the conference which began on July 26 in Siliguri.

"After detailed deliberations, both the sides decided to further enhance real time intelligence sharing and cooperation in all the fields of border management to fight the menace of terrorism.

"The move is significant especially in view of the recent terrorist activities in Bangladesh which have serious impact on national security of both the countries," said BSF Deputy Inspector General D. Haokip.

During the conference, various issues of mutual interest were discussed for effective border management which include smuggling of contraband items, arms and ammunition, fake currency notes and infiltration.

The delegation also exchanged documents pertaining to list of Bangladeshi miscreants involved in attacks or killing of BSF personnel and those involved in cross-border crimes.

Both sides also agreed to conduct Joint Band display of both the forces' bands on mutually agreed dates as agreed during the recently held DG level talks between DG BSF and DG BGB in Dhaka in May 2016.

"It was also mutually agreed that Sector Commanders of both the Border Guarding forces will meet frequently in the near future and work out details for implementation of land border agreement whenever called upon by respective Commanders," added Haokip.

--IANS

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