Editorial
BDR-BSF conference
Time to turn words into action
There is no question that better cooperation is needed between the Indian BSF and our own BDR border guards, and it is in the interest of both countries that a climate of calm prevails along the border.
It is thus that we have high hopes for the DG-level meeting between the two border security forces currently on-going. However, there have been many such meetings in the past and we feel that the time is long overdue for real action to be taken for a definitive improvement in the situation.
The principal problem, from our point of view, is the number of unarmed Bangladeshis who are killed every year through BSF firing. This year so far 55 Bangladeshis have been reportedly killed. Indeed, the current meeting takes place against the backdrop of the shooting dead by BSF on Saturday of three Bangladeshi cattle traders at the Benapole border.
That the death count should be so high should shock any conscientious person, of whatever country. These killings somehow occur with an appalling frequency, and can only serve to cast a shadow on Indo-Bangladesh relationship which is entirely avoidable. And avoided this must be, since both countries are committed to good neighbourly ties.
There are standard well laid-out procedures for dealing with any issue that may arise along the border and it can be resolved through a process of consultation on the ground rather than resorting to any lethal unilateral action creating tension along the border.
Other ideas that are on the table need to be followed up on as well. If we have better communication and coordination between BSF and BDR, this will help obviate untoward incidents besides importantly helping in terms of controlling drug and human trafficking, as well as smuggling, which both sides have an interest in curtailing.
In addition, we think the idea for sports contests and other friendly meetings between the two sides will go a long way to defusing tensions and creating a congenial environment on the border.
But the truth is that these things have been discussed time and again. This time we need to change rhetoric to reality. Stopping the killings would be a good first step.
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