BDR, BSF agree to contain border crimes

30 January 2009, 18:00 PM

Our Correspondent, Satkhira.

Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at a battalion commander-level meeting yesterday agreed to work together to contain cross-border crimes and other related problems through talks. In the meeting held at zero point near at Basantapur in Kaliganj upazila, matters relating to killing and kidnapping of innocent Bangladeshi nationals, smuggling of arms, explosives and drugs and women trafficking came up for discussion. Major Alamgir Dewan, commanding officer of 7 Rifles Battalion, led the BDR side while the BSF side was led by battalion commandant Bharat Kaushik at the talk. When BDR raised the issue of killing Bangladeshis along the border, BSF officials said their troops opened fire only on those who entered their territory for smuggling cattle and other goods. The Indian delegation leader, however, assured the Bangladesh side of taking necessary actions against those responsible for killing innocent Bangladeshis. The BSF officials also showed positive attitude in resolving the dispute through talks, meeting sources said. When contacted, the BDR battalion commander said both sides reached an agreement to contain the cross-border crimes through joint efforts.