MNS:- The 13th meeting of the Home Secretaries of India and Bangladesh was held on 16-17 October 2012 at Dhaka. The Indian delegation was led by Mr. R.K. Singh, Union Home Secretary, Government of India. The Bangladesh delegation was led by Mr. C. Q. K. Mustaq Ahmed, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Bangladesh.
The two Home Secretaries recalled the excellent and friendly bilateral relations existing between India and Bangladesh and reiterated their commitment to further take these multi-faceted relations forward. They noted that the exchange of visits by the Prime Ministers of Bangladesh and India in January 2010 and September 2011 respectively had infused a new dynamism in the bilateral relations and opened up new avenues for cooperation between the two countries.
The two Home Secretaries expressed satisfaction at the visit of both delegation to Agartala – Akhaura Integrated Check Post (ICP) to review the existing infrastructure, and noted that this would facilitate trade between Bangladesh and India, particularly North-East. They also welcomed the opening of several Land Ports/Integrated Check Posts for bilateral trade between Bangladesh and India. Both sides agreed to allow developmental work including construction of ICPs/LCSs within 150 yards of zero line. Both sides also agreed to constitute a high-level team to monitor development of border infrastructure.
They took note of the outcome of the 12th JWG meeting on security issues held on 15 October 2012, wherein the two sides discussed issues such as land boundary demarcation, border management, security issues, implementation of agreements, visa and consular related issues and capacity building etc.
Indian Home Secretary conveyed the appreciation of Government of India to Government of Bangladesh for extending cooperation for addressing the security concerns of India, particularly in dealing with the Indian Insurgent Groups. Both sides reiterated their commitment to act against the elements inimical to both countries. .Both sides expressed satisfaction at the smooth operation of Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) and agreed to increase number of joint patrolling with a view to curbing criminal activities along the border.
They noted with satisfaction that the implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan has reduced the number of incidents along the border. They expressed confidence that increased number of coordinated patrolling would enhance cooperation between the border guarding forces of the two countries, and enable them to manage the identified vulnerable areas with a view to preventing criminal activities, illegal movement, acts of violence and loss of lives along the border areas. As an additional measure for better border management, both sides agreed to revive the mechanism for regular consultations between the Deputy Commissioner (DC) District Magistrate (DM) of border districts for resolving local issues. Both sides agreed to further intensify the activities of the different nodal points in different areas of cooperation such as human trafficking, drugs, INTERPOL, etc. They expressed satisfaction at the regular interaction of different bilateral mechanisms, including BGB-BSF DG level meetings, Narcotics DG level meetings, JWG on Security issues etc. and noted that these regular exchanges helped to enhance understanding and resolve issues for mutual satisfaction.
Both sides agreed to extend cooperation for apprehension of wanted criminals and fugitives and in this regard, Bangladesh Home Secretary once again urged for immediate tracking, arresting, and handing over the killers of the father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Indian Home Secretary assured that all possible assistance would be extended in this regard.
Both sides welcomed the recent meeting of Directors General of the respective Narcotics Controlling agencies held in New Delhi in the first week of October 2012 and expressed satisfaction at the level of cooperation for the seizure and curbing of drugs particularly Phensydile. It was agreed to expand and strengthen further cooperation in this regard to curb the menace of drugs. Both sides noted that the implementation of three agreements (Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons and Combating Terrorism, organized crime and illicit drug trafficking) signed during the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India in 2010 has been satisfactory.
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