Dhaka, Delhi against any activity ‘inimical’ to each other’s interests
Bangladesh and India discussed several security-related issues during the 19th Home Secretary Level Talks (HSLT) on Saturday
Bangladesh and India on Saturday reaffirmed not to allow the territory of either country to be used for any activity "inimical" to each other's interests.
Both sides also discussed the early completion of pending fencing along the Bangladesh – India border as agreed by the Prime Ministers of the two countries.
Bangladesh and India discussed the issues at the 19th Home Secretary-level talks held virtually against the backdrop of "Mujib Borsho" and 50 years of Bangladesh Liberation War and establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Mostafa Kamal Uddin, senior secretary of the Public Security Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, led the Bangladesh delegation while Ajay Kumar Bhalla, union home secretary of India, led the Indian delegation.
The home secretaries held comprehensive discussions on border security, management, joint monitoring mechanisms, and training.
Bangladesh and India agreed to further enhance cooperation to control cross-border crimes and promote developmental works. Both secretaries reiterated their commitment to further expand and strengthen cooperation in security and border-related issues.
Both sides appreciated the cooperation between the two countries and the action taken to address the menace of terrorism and extremism effectively. The effective functioning of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) to control the illegal cross-border activities was also applauded by both sides.
The first Delegation-Level virtual Police Chiefs' Dialogue in January 2021 implementing the decision taken at the Home Minister Level Talks (HMLT) held in August 2019, was noted with appreciation during the virtual meeting.
The two countries agreed to further enhance cooperation to prevent the smuggling of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) and contraband. Bangladesh additionally appreciated the assistance provided by India in the field of training and capacity building for various security agencies.
The entire gamut of security and border-related cooperation was reviewed during the meeting while both countries agreed to continue working closely.