Border Security and Cooperation between India and Bangladesh

Infiltration and Political Developments

The infiltration along the Bangladesh border has significantly decreased following political changes in Bangladesh in August 2024. The Border Security Force (BSF) of India and the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) have collaborated effectively to maintain peace during this period.

High-Level Talks and Agreements

• The first Director General-level talks between BSF and BGB since the political shift took place from February 16 to 20, 2025.
• Concluded with a joint record of discussions.

Minority Protection and Law Enforcement

BGB addressed concerns regarding attacks on minorities:

• Asserting that reports of attacks were exaggerated and mainly political issues.
• Emphasized the peaceful conduct of the Hindu festival, Durga Puja, with BGB ensuring security.

Border Management and Human Rights

• Agreed on sharing real-time information and reports on human trafficking to improve border management.
• Joint inspections planned to address fencing issues.

Security and Protocols

BSF highlighted:

• Concerns about attacks on its personnel.
• Commitment to non-lethal weapon strategies, resorting to lethal force only in self-defense.

Border and Construction Agreements

• No discussions on altering the 1975 border agreement.
• Development works near the border require mutual consent from both sides.

Key Issues Discussed

By BSF:

• Prevention of assaults on BSF personnel and civilians by Bangladeshi criminals.
• Joint efforts against trans-border crimes.
• Action against Indian Insurgent Groups in Bangladesh.
• Border infrastructure and fencing concerns.
• Implementation of Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) and Confidence Building Measures (CBM).

By BGB:

• Prevention of border crimes and illegal crossings.
• Concerns over killings at the border.
• Development of wastewater treatment and border demarcation projects.
• Protection of riverbanks and water sharing issues.
• Location and movement of armed miscreants in India.

Geographical Context

India and Bangladesh share a border of 4,096 km across five Indian states: West Bengal, Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam, and Mizoram.