BSF, BGB discuss illegal and forced border crossing at DG level meetings

The Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) discussed “illegal and forced border crossings” involving the India-Bangladesh border, among other issues, during the three-day Director General level meetings that ended on Thursday, a BSF statement said.

The 57th Director General’s Border Coordination Conference between the Border Guard Forces of India and Bangladesh was held in Delhi from June 8 to 11.

“During the meeting, both sides discussed in detail measures to effectively prevent cross-border crime, including smuggling of narcotics, arms, counterfeit currency, gold and other contraband, as well as illegal border crossing and human trafficking. Both delegations also discussed issues related to border deaths and illegal/inadvertent/violent crossing in border areas, confidence building, building border infrastructure to implement border infrastructure closer cooperation addressing emerging security challenges along the border,” the BSF said in a statement.

Unlike in the past, when DG-level meetings were followed by a press conference, only a BSF statement was issued this time.

Over the past month, there have been several incidents where undocumented persons, suspected to be from Bangladesh, have been sent across the border on foot, only to be stopped by the BGB. The reported “push” of undocumented persons, which is not confined to the West Bengal border but also along the Meghalaya, Tripura and Assam borders, has resulted in confrontations between BSF and BGB personnel at several border points. There are also reports of stone pelting along some of these stretches.

While Bangladesh refused to accept the undocumented and disputed their nationality, the BSF claimed that they had entered India illegally and were carrying documents showing Bangladeshi nationality.

A BGB statement said, “The DG, BGB has expressed deep concern, particularly over the recent incidents of pushing individuals, including Rohingya/Myanmar nationals and Indian nationals, into Bangladesh by the BSF, in violation of the Indo-Bangladesh Joint Guidelines for Border Authorities, Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP), decisions (jointly agreed by DGs as agreed during previous DGMPs) norms.” and procedures.” It noted that the suffering of these “snapped” individuals at the border was immense and many were in distress, suffering from hunger and disease, including the elderly requiring urgent medical attention.

The BGB reiterated the Bangladesh government’s position that any individual verified as a Bangladeshi national will be expeditiously received through established bilateral repatriation mechanisms in accordance with legal and diplomatic procedures. He urged the BSF Directorate General to take immediate steps to stop such practices and to follow the well-established bilateral mechanisms and protocols for the repatriation of persons identified as Bangladeshi nationals.

Responding to DG BSF’s concerns about illegal migration of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas to India, DG BGB said the Rohingya crisis is a humanitarian issue and reiterated that Bangladesh does not allow Rohingya and Myanmar citizens to use its territory to enter India illegally. He recorded cases where Rohingyas were detained trying to enter Bangladesh from India. The two sides agreed to strengthen measures against illegal cross-border movement, strong action against human trafficking networks and ensuring timely rescue, rehabilitation and legal support for victims.

The Indian delegation was led by BSF Director General Praveen Kumar while the Bangladeshi delegation was led by BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui.

“The conference was held in a cordial, positive and forward-looking atmosphere that reflects the sustained cooperation and mutual trust between the two border guards. The Border Coordination Conference as the highest level bilateral mechanism between BSF and BGB provides an important platform to review the prevailing border situation and discuss issues of common concern related to border security and border management,” the BSF said in a statement.

It added that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintain peace, tranquility and stability along the India-Bangladesh border and agreed to further strengthen coordinated patrols, strengthen vigilance, improve real-time information sharing and intensify joint efforts against cross-border criminal networks.

“Emphasis was also placed on raising the awareness of the border population on the sanctity of the international border and promoting greater public awareness on the prevention of illegal activities in border areas,” it said.

Both Border Guard units reiterated their joint commitment to adopt a policy of zero tolerance towards cross-border crimes, insurgent activities and any actions that undermine border security. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the conference and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation, mutual trust and professional engagement for the sake of secure and peaceful borders.

With the signing of the Joint Record of Discussions on Thursday (June 11, 2026), the conference ended on a positive note, with both delegations expressing confidence that the decisions and arrangements reached will further strengthen bilateral cooperation and contribute to effective border management and friendly relations between India and Bangladesh. The next DG-level conference is scheduled to be held in Dhaka in November.

Published – 12 Jun 2026 15:57 IST