BDR-BSF meet agrees on cooperation to combat border crimes

Dhaka, Mar 8 (UNI) India and Bangladesh today agreed to cooperate in defusing tension and combating border crimes at the conclusion of a three-day meeting between their frontier forces in southwestern Khulna.

Shooting and killing of Bangladeshi citizens, smuggling of firearms, ammunition, drugs and other contrabands into Bangladesh from India and trespass of Bangladeshi terrorists into India were discussed during the meeting, UNB news agency said.

Planting saplings within 150 yards of the border, refusal to accept protest letter and flag meeting proposal by the Border Security Forces (BSF), illuminating cell fire on border areas by BSF and its resistance to different development works and regular work on Bangladesh border were also discussed, the agency added.

''When killing of Bangladeshi citizens by the BSF came in for discussion, the BSF said that they were identifying the criminals,'' an official release said.

About explosives being smuggled across the border, the Bangladeshi side said the authorities concerned have been put on alert.

Both the sides also stressed the need for discussion and mutual understanding in constructing establishments within 150 yards of the borderline that are necessary for public welfare.

The BSF also assured the Indian side that they would not cross border in illuminating cell, which used to lighten the area.

Inspector General of Indian Border Security Force S R Tewari led a 14-member Indian team while the host side was led by Deputy Director General of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) Brigadier General S M Golam Rabbani.

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