The 54th director general (DG) level border conference between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) concluded at BGB headquarters with both sides pledging to eliminate the killing of unarmed Bangladeshi nationals in border areas, aiming for zero casualties through enhanced joint patrolling.

The conference, which commenced on March 5, concluded with the signing of the Joint Record of Discussion (JRD) document, followed by a joint press statement.

According to the joint press statement, DG BGB Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui urged DG BSF Shri Nitin Agrawal to take necessary measures to eliminate border killings, considering the strong bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India.

Besides addressing this primary concern, DG BGB expressed optimism in curbing various trans-border crimes, such as smuggling, human trafficking, inadvertent border crossings, and terrorist activities, as well as expediting development projects, including riverbank protection, increasing border haats, and completing stalled ICP/LCP projects.

DG BSF expressed condolences for the death of Sepoy Md Roisuddin in an incident on January 22, 2024.

Both sides expressed satisfaction over their coordinated efforts in maintaining peace along the border and emphasized the need for effective implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP).

They agreed to intensify joint patrolling, vigilance, public awareness programs, socio-economic development initiatives, and sharing of real-time information to reduce incidents of border killings and other trans-border crimes.

Both delegations reiterated their 'zero tolerance' stance on trans-border insurgent groups and pledged to prevent trans-border movements through real-time information.

Regarding Sepoy Roisuddin's death, DG BSF expressed condolences but did not provide a direct response when questioned further. DG BGB emphasized that the incident was not a targeted killing and assured efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future.

DG BSF Nitin Agrawal led the Indian delegation, while DG BGB Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui led the Bangladesh delegation in the DG Level Border Conference, comprising nine and sixteen members respectively.