BSF promises again to stop firing at Bangladeshis
Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at a sector commander level meeting in Meherpur yesterday agreed to resolve 'major disputes' through discussion.
Lt Col Zahidur Rahman, sector commander of Mirpur, Kushtia, led the 12-member Bangladesh team while DR Yadav, sector commander of Krishnangar BSF, led the eight--member Indian team in the day-long meeting held at the rest house of Mujibnagar Complex.
Meeting sources said BDR raised several issues, including killing of Bangladeshis by BSF, smuggling of firearms, explosives and contraband items from India and sought help from its Indian counterpart to stop those.
Indian officials agreed in principle to stop firing at Bangladeshis and take effective steps to stop smuggling of firearms explosives and contraband goods, sources said.
The two sides also discussed re-installation of demolished or stolen border pillars and survey of the disputed lands. At the meeting, the BSF alleged illegal entry of Bangladeshis into India and urged BDR to check it.
BDR Sector Commander Lt Col Zahidul Islam told journalists that talks were held in a cordial atmosphere and BSF officials showed a positive attitude towards resolving the issues.
According to sources, at least 12 Bangladeshis were killed in BSF firing on the southwestern border in the last four months from January 1. Most of the victims were cattle traders.
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