Ninth Bangladesh-India Home Secretary level talks held in Dhaka

Dhaka, Aug 31 : The ninth Home Secretary level talks between Bangladesh and India was held in Dhaka during 29-31 August in a friendly and cordial atmosphere.

Bangladesh delegation was led by Mohammad Abdul Karim, Home Secretary, Government of Bangladesh while the Indian delegation was led by Madhukar Gupta, Home Secretary, Government of India.

At the meeting both sides expressed their sincere desire to further expand, deepen and strengthen their bilateral cooperation. The two sides discussed, among other issues, matters related to security, border management and enhanced bilateral cooperation.

On security related issues, both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed their commitment not to allow their territory to be used for any activity inimical to each other's interests.

Bangladesh and India expressed satisfaction at the successful reactivation of the joint working group at the level of joint secretaries of both the countries and designation of nodal points to deal with the issues relating to security and human trafficking.

Both sides agreed to take action against militants, insurgent outfits and their leaders on the basis of real time and actionable information to be exchanged between the nodal points.

Bangladesh mentioned about the recently introduced legal regime that has been established to deal with anti-terrorism, prevent terrorist financing, money laundering.. As regards criminals who have taken shelter in either country to evade the process of law, both sides agreed to continue efforts to find them out and send them back expeditiously.

Noting that smuggling of arms, ammunitions, explosives and fake currency notes is a serious threat to the peace and security of both countries, the two sides agreed to find out the elements engaged in such illegal activities and bring them to justice.

Bangladesh sought India's cooperation to take preventive measures against anti-Bangladesh outfits based in India. India also sought Bangladesh's cooperation to trace the presence of Indian insurgent groups allegedly based in Bangladesh.

Both sides agreed to ensure peace and tranquility along the border keeping in mind relevant provisions of the Joint Border Management Guidelines (JBMG) of 1975.

It was agreed by both sides to convene a meeting of the JBWG at an early date to discuss all outstanding boundary-related issues.

On the issue of construction of border fence within 150 yards of international border, Bangladesh side stated that matter will be further examined including joint visits to vulnerable sections of the border.

Both sides agreed that the verification process of released prisoners of one country held in the prisons of other country should be expedited and modalities in this regard will be worked out.

Both sides agreed that apart from sharing information between the two nodal-points and follow-up action, there is a strong need to identify the racketeers engaged in human trafficking especially women and children and bring the perpetrators of such acts to justice.

Both sides agreed that cooperation between the Narcotics Control Departments of the two countries needs to be further enhanced. In this respect, it was decided that a meeting of two Narcotic Departments will be held in October this year in New Delhi.

On the issue of enhancing cooperation towards capacity building including training of law enforcement agencies of both the countries, both sides noted with satisfaction at the existing level of cooperation. Moreover they resolved to deepen it further.

Both sides agreed that the next meeting will be held in New Delhi and date for the same will be decided through diplomatic channels.

ANI