The 14th meeting of the Home Secretaries of India and Bangladesh was held in New Delhi from July 19 to 22. The Indian delegation was led by Anil Goswami, Union Home Secretary and the Bangladesh delegation was led by C.Q.K. Mustaq Ahmed, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs.

The two secretaries noted that the bilateral cooperation in the field of security and border management has been strengthened with the signing of four agreements pertaining to security cooperation including the Extradition Treaty.

They took note of the outcome of the 13th JWG meeting on Security issues held on July 18, 2013, wherein the two sides discussed issues such as security, border management, incidents of deaths due to firing on the border, implementation of agreements, ratification of the land boundary agreement, visa and consular related matters, capacity building, etc.

The Indian Home Secretary conveyed the appreciation of Government of India to Government of Bangladesh for extending cooperation for addressing the security concerns of India. The two Home Secretaries reaffirmed their commitment not to allow the territory of either country to be used for any activity inimical to each other’s interests. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the smooth operation of coordinated border management plan (CBMP) and agreed to increase the frequency of coordinated patrolling with a view to curbing criminal activities along the border.

They noted with satisfaction that the implementation of the CBMP has resulted in reduced number of border incidents. Agreeing that it is a joint responsibility, both Home Secretaries expressed confidence that increased number of coordinated patrolling would enhance cooperation between the border guarding forces of the two countries, and enable them to prevent the movement of criminals and manage the identified vulnerable areas with a view to prevent criminal activities, acts of violence and loss of lives along the border areas. As an additional measure for better border management, both sides welcomed the recent conference between Brahmanbaria district of Bangladesh and West Tripura district of India. They agreed to have regular consultations between the senior officers of border districts for resolving local issues. They agreed to sensitize the media about ground realities of border management.

They 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 to mutual satisfaction.

Both sides agreed to extend cooperation for apprehension of wanted criminals and fugitives. The Bangladesh Home Secretary urged for immediate tracking, arresting, and handing over the killers of Bangabandhu, the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Indian Home Secretary assured that India will continue to extend all possible assistance in this regard.

They expressed satisfaction at the level of cooperation in the seizure and prevention of trafficking of drugs. Bangladesh side also appreciated the decision of the Indian Government to invoke the provisions of the NDPS Act to contain the trafficking of Codeine based syrups like Phensedyl. It was also agreed to expand and strengthen further cooperation in sharing actionable intelligence in real time.

They 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.

Both sides welcomed that the Joint Task Force on fake currency notes has been set up and agreed that the first meeting may be convened soon to develop a mechanism to deal with the menace.