In a momentous decision aimed at fostering progress and prosperity in the region, India and Bangladesh have agreed to initiate joint civil works on five development projects along their shared 4,096-kilometer border. The decision was reached during the biannual border talks conference held between the Border Security Force (BSF) of India and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Delhi.
The development projects will focus on constructing a bailey bridge, repairing roads, and strengthening retaining walls along the border in five Indian states: Tripura, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. These initiatives aim to improve the quality of life for the local population on both sides of the border, including the state of Tripura, which is surrounded by Bangladesh on three sides.
One of the key objectives of the collaboration is to reduce the instances of violence and killing of Bangladeshi nationals in the border area. The BSF and BGB are working independently and jointly to address this issue, which has been a major concern between the two neighboring countries. The BSF emphasized that its personnel resort to firing only as a last resort when their lives are threatened, and they prioritize the use of non-lethal weapons.
The joint press conference held by the chiefs of the BSF and BGB highlighted their commitment to reducing border incidents. They acknowledged the importance of effective communication and understanding between ground-level troops to avoid misunderstandings. Additionally, measures such as joint patrolling, public awareness programs, and sharing real-time information will be intensified to curb trans-border crimes, including smuggling and illegal migration.
This decision to undertake joint development projects signifies a significant step forward in enhancing bilateral trade and relations between India and Bangladesh. It also marks a shift towards promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the border region. The next round of talks is scheduled to take place later this year in Dhaka, where further initiatives and measures are expected to be discussed.
The joint efforts by India and Bangladesh to improve infrastructure, strengthen border security, and enhance cooperation are anticipated to have a positive impact on the lives of the people residing along the India-Bangladesh border.
(Representative pic from open source, internet)
