Bangladesh to Discuss 'Unfair Deals' with India: Home Adviser

Bangladesh will initiate talks with India to address concerns over unfair agreements signed during the previous Awami League government, Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced.

Speaking to the media ahead of the upcoming Director General (DG)-level border conference between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF), Jahangir Alam outlined key issues that would be raised during the discussions, set to take place at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday.

One of the main points will be the regulation of activities within 150 yards of the border. Alam emphasized that any construction, including mosques or temples, within this area requires approval from both Bangladesh and India. He stated that unilateral actions would be prohibited, with a focus on ensuring India seeks permission before undertaking any such projects.

The conference will also address critical concerns such as preventing border killings by BSF personnel or Indian miscreants, and tackling incidents of firing on unarmed Bangladeshi citizens. Additionally, discussions will cover issues of trespassing by BSF or Indian citizens, as well as the smuggling of illegal drugs, arms, ammunition, and explosives, including substances like Yaba and Phensedyl, into Bangladesh.

Another significant topic for dialogue will be the equitable sharing of transboundary rivers, including the withdrawal of water, the implementation of water agreements, and the reopening of the Rahimpur canal mouth.

Alam further noted that drug production in India's border regions remains a major challenge, with narcotics being smuggled into Bangladesh, exacerbating the country’s drug crisis. The adviser emphasized the urgency of these talks to address the pressing issues that impact both nations.