The Border Security Force (BSF) has ramped up collaboration with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to ensure peace on the international frontier and the safety of minorities in the neighbouring country followingthe fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.

BSF officers have been focusing on real-time information sharing and frequent interactions with their Bangladeshi counterparts to address various operational matters.

Amid the ongoing unrest near the international border, the BSF has conducted at least 83 flag meetings with the BGB and carried out 241 coordinated patrols over the past few days, aimed at buildingconfidence and protecting mutual interests.

During the flag meetings, issues concerning border security and other matters of mutual concern were discussed. These initiatives align with the directives from India’s home ministry, issued during an August 10 meeting on the current border situation, which emphasised open communication channels with the BGB.

The BSF has expressed appreciation for the BGB’s positive role.

“The BGB has not only been cooperating with the BSF on operational matters at the international border but has also been taking steps to ensure the safety of Indian citizens and minorities in Bangladesh, in collaboration with local civil authorities,” said a spokesperson for the BSF’s Eastern Command.

The BSF highlighted the ongoing efforts to prevent Bangladeshi nationals from crossing into Indian territory.“We are in constant contact with the BGB, actively communicating through available channels to monitor the security and address any unforeseen issues along the India-Bangladesh border,” the spokesperson added.

Following reports of atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh, the Union government here established a committee to maintain open communication channels with the BGB and ensure their security. The additional director general of the BSF’s Eastern Command, Ravi Gandhi, was appointed to lead this five-member committee.

“In line with the home ministry’s directives and subsequent instructions from the director general of the BSF, several initiatives have been undertaken to engage the BGB, including flag meetings and coordinated patrols. The BGB’s response has been commendable,” a seniorBSF officer said.

On Monday, BSF company commanders from various border outposts under the force’s south Bengal Frontier held meetings with villagers living near the boundary. Similar meetings were conducted at other border outposts under the sector headquartersin Calcutta.

“The purpose of these meetings is to strengthen the relationship between the BSF and local communities,” said A.K. Arya, DIG and a spokesperson for the BSF’s south Bengal frontier.

“Company commanders discussed the current situation in Bangladesh and emphasised the importance of villagers’ cooperation in maintaining security and preventing illegal activities,” he added.

In a significant development, Brigadier General (retired) M. Sakhawat Hossain, the home affairs adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh, urged BGB personnel “to stand firm on the border”.

“The era of retreating is over,” he said, as reported by Bangladeshi media.

During a visit to injured personnel at a BGB Hospital on Tuesday, Hossain said: “Our people are being killed in the border area, while BGB members are forced to hold flag meetings. I have instructed the BGB to remain resolute on the border.”