Verma calls for joint efforts to combat border crimes

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Sunday expressed hope that the understandings that the two border forces have will be implemented in a cooperative approach in combating the crimes along the border.

He had a discussion with Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on India's commitment to ensure a crime-free border and effectively addressing the challenges.

Referring to an understanding in regards to fencing the border, the high commissioner said the two border forces – Indian Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) – have been in communication.

He also talked about addressing the challenges of smuggling.

In a move to address escalating tensions along the Bangladesh-India border, Verma had a meeting with Foreign Secretary Jashim to discuss recent border-related issues.

The Indian high commissioner was seen entering the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building around 3pm on Sunday, following reports of heightened tensions along the shared border of the two neighbouring countries.

He made a brief statement after the meeting that lasted over half an hour.

Earlier in the day, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said the foreign ministry has been informed and the Indian high commissioner may be summoned soon to discuss the matter. “Work at all disputed points has been halted and we will not allow further activities.”

The India-Bangladesh border, one of the longest international borders in the world, has often been a point of contention, with incidents ranging from border security issues to people’s movement.